Common Prayers

A theologian explores the holidays and rituals of his wife’s Jewish faith in an “accessible and engaging” memoir told “with humor and a scholar’s insight” (Los Angeles Times).

As a member of an interfaith household, eminent Christian theologian, and religion scholar, National Book Award finalist Harvey Cox has had ample opportunity to reflect upon the essence of Judaism and its complex relationship to Christianity.

Organized around the Jewish calendar from Rosh Hashanah to Yom ha-Atzmaíut, Common Prayers illuminates the meanings of Jewish holidays as well as traditions surrounding milestone events such as death and marriage. Describing in elegant, accessible language the holidays’ personal, historical, and spiritual significance and the lessons they offer us, Cox “is instructive and enlightening, revealing the depth and passion of his religious thought and practice” (Boston Herald). As seen through his eyes, the Jewish holidays offer a wellspring of discovery and reflection for every reader, Jewish and non-Jewish alike.

“Cox not only provides a clear guide to Judaism for ‘perplexed gentiles’ but convincingly argues that ‘appreciating Judaism, both its history and its present manifestation, is essential to a full understanding of Christianity’ . . . An important new book by a major theologian; highly recommended.” —Library Journal

“Cox’s insights into Judaism and Christianity, as both an insider and an outsider, are dazzling.” —Orlando Sentinel