The book is divided into three sections, each representing a cycle of Jewish life The first section demonstrates how Judaism responds to the natural events of life, looking at the ceremonies associated with birth, the coming-of-age, marriage, and death The second deals with the major milestones of the Jewish calendar - holidays such as Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Hanukkah, Passover, Shavuot, Sukkot, and Purim - as well as the Sabbath, minor fast days, and holidays created to respond to the tragedy of the Holocaust and the creation of the State of Israel The third section explores the rhythm of the Jewish day, in which time is marked with prayers and blessings