Number Our Days

Number Our Days by Barbara Myerhoff, published by Simon and Schuster on May 9, 1980, is a thoughtful exploration of aging through the lens of elderly Jews in Venice, California. This 1st Touchstone Edition spans 318 pages and presents an insightful narrative that delves into the lives and rituals of these individuals, highlighting their resilience in the face of various challenges such as poverty, neglect, and loneliness.
In this book, Myerhoff captures the poignant stories of a community that draws strength from its cultural practices and shared experiences. The narrative offers a blend of humor and wisdom, addressing themes related to aging, the significance of ritual, and the enduring human spirit. Readers will find a rich examination of social science and religious aspects intertwined with the history of this unique group, providing a deeper understanding of their lives and the universal implications of their experiences.
Official synopsis Publisher
When noted anthropologist Barbara Myerhoff received a grant to explore the process of aging, she decided to study some elderly Jews from Venice, California, rather than to report on a more exotic people. The story of the rituals and lives of these remarkable old people is, as Bel Kaufman said, “one of those rare books that leave the reader somehow changed.”
Here Dr. Myerhoff records the stories of a culture that seems to give people the strength to face enormous daily problems — poverty, neglect, loneliness, poor health, inadequate housing and physical danger. The tale is a poignant one, funny and often wise, with implications for all of us about the importance of ritual, the agonies of aging, and the indomitable human spirit.
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