The miniatures which enhance medieval Hebrew manuscripts, whether in prayerbooks, ceremonials for feast days, ritual, legal or philosophical treatises, clearly reflect various aspects of Jewish life during the period. In addition to religious and ceremonial practices, the many facets of everyday life in the family, in cities and in the countryside are treated, as are social and economic activities at all levels and in all professions. Drawing upon the surviving miniatures in illuminated Hebrew manuscripts as primary source material, The?re?se and Mendel Metzger have reconstructed a detailed and exhaustive account of Jewish life in Europe during the Middle Ages. The volume is divided into five sections which encompass historic and geographic background, everyday surroundings, family life and education, social and economic life, and religious activity.--From publisher description.