Reviews (2)

Excellent work to introduce one to Rabbinical Literature
The book is compact, yet very informing. It is called an "introduction", yet it is perhaps a little bit more than an introduction. At the same time, I would recommend this work for beginner as well as those more familiar with the topic.
Simply the best work available on the subject
This is simply the best work available on the subject.Each section is based on a common plan:The text is briefly discussed; variant textual versions of texts are discussed; English translations are noted; and adetailed review is then given of the past hundred years of critical studyon the document in question.Read more

Subjects:  1. Amoraim    2. History and criticism    3. Introductions    4. Judaism - Sacred Writings    5. Judaism - Talmud    6. Midrash    7. Religion    8. Religion - Judaism    9. Talmud    10. Tannaim   

Reviews (4)

Comprehensive and hopefully helpful guidebook to conversion
Conversion to Judaism is a complex process. Whereas many faiths actively proselytize Judaism's traditional posture has been to discourage converts. In this work Lawrence J. Epstein provides a very useful guidebook for those who would nonetheless persevere in the effort.
If you are converting, or just curious about Judaism...
CONVERSION TO JUDAISM, A GUIDEBOOK is an absolute must-read!!This book touches on just about every subject that is important to me.I wish that the author would have went into more detail with the history of the Jews. Oh well, have to read about that in another book anyhow! :)

well written, a down to earth guidebook on jewish conversion
The author gives his heart to explain the what and why's of conversion. Itcovers all grounds you should know about basic judaism without drowning thereader with too much detail. It is very informative and full of insightsthat will guide you in the process of conversion. I highly recommend thisbook to those who like me is contemplating to be "a jew bychoice". ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Jewish way of life    2. Judaism    3. Judaism - Rituals & Practice    4. Judaism - Theology    5. Proselytes and proselyting, Je    6. Proselytes and proselyting, Jewish    7. Religion    8. Religion - Judaism    9. Religion / Judaism / General   

Reviews (3)

An essential set of insights.
Students of ancient or Jewish history will find MAIMONIDES an important biographical study, telling of a rabbi, physician and philosopher whose works blended science with spirituality, and who has served as a model for Jewish doctors since the 12th century. Chapters provide a focus on Maimonides' works and perspective with an eye to drawing connections to the modern world, and make for an essential set of insights.
Dr. Maimonides
Dr. Nuland "biography" of Maimonides focusses mostly on the sage as a physician, with much of the rest of his life sketchy at best. In fact, the first chapter virtually ignores the subject and instead describes the author's views on why so many Jews became physicians over the centuries.That being said, Dr. Nuland's book is well written, gives historical insights into medicine in the 12th century period, and is easy to read.I have not read any of the other biographies of Maimonides, several of which are cited by Dr. Nuland, and therefore cannot judge whether the paucity of details of Maimonides life presented other than medical is a intentional or the result of the actual absence of data.

A Hero for Our Time
The great philosopher, physician and leader is brought vividly to life by Sherwin Nuland, himself a writer-physician.Although this is a relatively brief book, it touches on all the points of Maimonides's life with authority and clarity.Nuland positions his subject's writings within the issues of his time and ours.With a well-annotated bibliography this is a fine entry into a fascinating life. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1135-1204    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Egypt    7. Jewish Theology    8. Jewish philosophers    9. Jewish scholars    10. Judaism - General    11. Judaism - History    12. Maimonides, Moses,    13. Medical - General    14. Philosophy Of Judaism    15. Rabbis    16. Religious    17. Biography & Autobiography / Religious    18. Jewish studies    19. Judaism   

Reviews (1)

volume III.., at last!
Those who have purchased the previous two volumes may find this to be no less an endeavor of exegesis and scholarship.What this edition has done is quite simply (for all the effort) bring forth the gem within the text that for many has been hidden for so long a time.
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Subjects:  1. Bible - CriticismInterpretation - Old Testament    2. Bible.    3. Cabala    4. Commentaries    5. Early works to 1800    6. Judaism - Kabbalah & Mysticism    7. Judaism - Sacred Writings    8. O.T.    9. Pentateuch    10. Religion    11. Religion - Judaism    12. Zohar    13. Judaism    14. Sacred texts   

Reviews (14)

This book is amazing and easy to use
I have been teaching creative expression and manifestation classes and this book really brings the concepts to reality. Most Kabbalah books are hard to understand and complicated. This one is not! The book is a magical journey and should not be done alone. The miracles are so profound you will want someone doing it with you to share your discoveries. The story telling is wonderful and the activities are clear and insightful. I have read this book 5 times or more and I see something new each time. I was so inspired, started teaching workshops around this topic just to say in community and keep the energy going around wishes and dreams fulfilled. Get a copy for yourself and get a copy for a friend, you will love this book.

A must read
I loved this book and recommend it to anyone. It is the best book that explains the "Tree of Life" .Everyone I recommend this book to loves it. I met the author of the book Gahl Sasson, he is an amazing person, a knows the subject matter like no other. You have to have this book in your collection.

I love this book
I actually tested this and it works. The book is very easy to read and follow. I tested one wish and it's amazing how the Universe responded to my wish by giving me signs of synchronicities. I really believe we must not ignore those omens if they keep occurring. LIfe wants us to achieve our dreams and wishes and if we really want something, the universe will respond and give it more power if it's made of love, appreciation and gratitude. I am grateful that I found this book. :) ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternate Spirituality    2. Applied Psychology    3. Cabala    4. General    5. Healing - General    6. Judaism - Kabbalah & Mysticism    7. Mysticism    8. New Age    9. Religion    10. Self-actualization (Psychology    11. Self-actualization (Psychology)    12. Tree of life    13. Body, Mind & Spirit / General    14. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques   

Reviews (6)

how "God" got started
excellent disclosure of the evolution of the understanding of God in early Israelite history.book assumes a high degree of previous knowledge of early Israelite history within an historical / critical understanding of biblical studies.If you are a "literalist," save your money ... you won't like it!

Not so much
This book is chock full of excellent references to both biblical and non-biblical texts.The combined references make a convincing case that the Isrealite tradition was originally steeped in the early canaanite polytheism.Smith's book would be an excellent reference but is not itself a satisfying read.Smith frequently sites verses in books as old as Psalms (written in the 11th century bce? Smith doesn't say) in the same paragraph with verses in books as new as the Talmud (written in the 3rd centry ce?).That is, he gives us no historical context to understand how people in the time the Psalms were writen would have understood the polytheistic references vs. how poeple in the time when the Talmud began to form would have understood polytheistic references.
Academic
Scholarly is another descriptive word for this book. Mr. Smith posits that Yahweh was one of several Cannanite dieties worshiped by the Hebrews. Of course Yahweh's realtionship to his fellow gods changed as time passed and Mr. Smith tries to account for how and why this happened.
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Subjects:  1. Bible    2. Biblical teaching    3. Comparative Religion    4. God    5. God (Judaism)    6. Gods, Semitic    7. History    8. History of doctrines    9. O.T    10. Religion    11. Religion - Church History    12. Theology    13. Ancient World    14. History of specific subjects    15. Nature & existence of God   

Reviews (5)

The Protocols:Anti-Semitisim for Another Century
What is striking about this book is that is a rare contemporary contextualization of this nasty little tract...written at the end of the 1900s and which provided fuel for the fire of National Socialism.
A study of Anti-semitism from a Secular Jewish Viewpoint
The Protocols of the Elders of Zion is still worth reading about since it one of those books that it helped start a social movement of increased intolerance and violence towards Jews in Nazi Germany. It is still taken seriously in the present-day middle east. A sloppy history of anti-Semitism.
This is a good book because first it is short and easy to read, it discusses a notorious fabrication or conspiracy theory, and it shows just how confused the Jewish position is with regards to the "other" or antisemitism.The author seems to meander between numerous concepts and explanations of antisemitism, but never really embraces a coherent theme. Oddly, this is very similar to "The Protocols" that he attacks.Read more

Subjects:  1. Antisemitism    2. Children: Grades 3-4    3. Conspiracy & Scandal Investigations    4. History & Theory - General    5. Judaism - Rituals & Practice    6. Politics / Current Events    7. Protocols of the wise men of Z    8. Protocols of the wise men of Zion   

Subjects:  1. Apocalyptic literature    2. Christianity    3. Dead Sea scrolls    4. History and criticism    5. Judaism And Christianity    6. Origin    7. Rabbinical literature    8. Relation to the New Testament    9. Religion    10. Religion & Beliefs   

Subjects:  1. Encyclopedias    2. Judaism    3. Judaism - General    4. Religion    5. Religion - Judaism    6. Bibliographies, catalogues, discographies    7. Criticism & exegesis of sacred texts    8. Literary studies: general    9. Reference / General   

Reviews (8)

Warning:Not by chapter
This is a "lexicon" due to its references, but it's organized like a dictionary.If you're translating the Hebrew Bible, this is an awesome resource as a Biblical dictionary, but I thought I'd let y'all know that it's very different from the Armstrong Lexicon which organizes by chapter, in order.Thus, if you're working through a few chapters of Bible, in a class or on one's own, then the Armstrong will list the infrequently-used words (i.e. "the hard words!") in order by chapter, so you don't have to look up the words in a dictionary like this one.
More Support
I own several lexicons, but like most of the reviewers noted, Holladay is the one I always reached for until I found this really old pocket sized lexicon (the same size as Souter's Greek Lexicon.) I use the pocket lexicon now first, and Holladay's second. I don't even look at BDB anymore. Too bad someone hasn't come out with a new pocket-sized lexicon for fast lookups while flying somewhere!

Still the standard . . .
One of the best . . . this is THE highly recommended reference by the Elementary Hebrew profs at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Aramaic language    2. Bible    3. Bible - Language Studies    4. Bible - Study - Old Testament    5. Dictionaries    6. English    7. Hebrew language    8. Judaism - Sacred Writings    9. Religion    10. Religion - Biblical Studies - Foreign Language    11. Christianity   

Reviews (4)

Better than it seems... really.
As a dialogue between men of three faiths, this is excellent.However, it should be noted that much of Grose's commentary on "Christianity" is heavily Calvinist, and is essentially a minority report among the scope of the world's Christians.However, the fact that he was willing to spearhead the dialogue recommends him to the task more than any particular orthodoxy might.
Engaging, rewarding read, but.
An engaging, rewarding read, much needed these days.Though they discussed the problems these three faiths have with each others claims to chosenness and truth, and hinted a few times at needing to widen the dialogue to include "other" non Abrahamic faiths, they did so in a way which indicates some lingering conceit and self righteousness.Hmm.Can't we rejoice in how our common spiritual yearnings find various expression in different cultures?

A fresh look at the traditions of the 3 sects of Abrahamism
This book was great...' kept my full attention.The last book I reviewed was about the same religions, but this one was so much better.It gave me a much better understanding of the common Islamic views.You get the words straight from the discussion between the 3 faiths, not just one man's research of other men.This book is very simple for any reader to enjoy.It is always great not only to see comparative religion but to see people with entirely different views on the same subjects conversing "in a beautiful manner".They are struggling to find a way to bring their views together, and the Christian commented on how very close he was to including Muhammad as a prophet of God. Their struggles just begged one uniting cry in my mind, although they didn't know it themselves:Baha'i. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity    2. Christianity - General    3. Christianity and other religio    4. Christianity and other religions    5. Comparative Religion    6. Congresses    7. General    8. Islam    9. Judaism    10. Judaism - General    11. Relations    12. Religion    13. Religion - World Religions    14. Spirituality   

Reviews (4)

Second Jewish Book of Why
Authoritative, covers topics Jews and others would focus on, well-written.

Very good!
This is a great book. Not as goos as the first, but well worth the money.

A satisfying appetizer
Rabbi Alfred J. Kolatch, author of The Second Jewish Book of Why, has such a winning way with the written word that he has managed to turn out oneappealing book after another 34 times!The Second Jewish Book of Why ishis 26th, and five years after its publication, still available. Mycollege student nephew recommended Kolatch's `books of why,' and I pickedThe Second because the questions and answers in The First were morefamiliar.The Rabbi's second book left me feeling as if I had had a verygood appetizer, satisfying enough, but ready for more, much more. Read more

Subjects:  1. Customs and practices    2. Judaism    3. Judaism - Rituals & Practice    4. Religion - Judaism    5. Jewish studies   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (233)

Tedious and overstated
The only reason I gave Mr. Carroll's book three stars is his bio on Constantine. This however was too short. His ramblings about his childhood and straying off the path just made the book hard to read. Yes, the Catholic chruch has the blood of innocent multitudes on it's hand, but then again so do all religions. One of the reason crimes have been commited against humanity is that religion isn't concerned about human rights. Mr Carroll misses this point entirely.

This books is a Masterpiece -- there is an large irony with these reviews
It is so interesting to read the reviews of this book.I believe this is one of the most important books on this topic ever written and a monumental achievement -- worthy of Pulitzer or Nobel prize status.Many agree. But those that do not often point out that the book -- a blend of mostly accurate history, much personal autobiographical material, and much analysis -- is not pure "history".They fault Carroll for blending these different aspects in his tome.Moreover, these reviewers display real hostility to Carroll for writing this and dismiss the work as "absurd" or a "disservice".
Too bad the guy can't write
This book was silly and read like a poorly done self-analysis. Some facts and dates might have been useful as opposed to starting with a thought, back tracking to something else, then fast forwarding to something else. Writing about Christ's mother's *passion* without reverence was the last straw. Read this and enter the 'throw this book against the wall club." ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Catholic Church    2. Christianity - Catholicism    3. Christianity - History - General    4. Christianity and antisemitism    5. History    6. Judaism    7. Relations    8. Religion    9. Religion - Church History    10. Religion / History   

Editorial Review

For the average American watching CNN, the conflict in the Middle Eastis a complicated affair, mired in an ancient past and an uncertain future. Italso seems like a distant story, one that only remotely touches upon the templesand churches beyond the Middle East. Not so, explains Gershom Gorenberg, asenior editor at the Read more

Reviews (24)

Fewer stars in the rating = problems with objective writing
Looking carefully at the preceding reviews suggests those who disliked or were disappointed in this book already had a bias, religious or political. Indeed, my friends who are adamantly fundamental Christians or Zionistic Jews (sorry, I don't have any fundamentalist Islamic friends) found fault with book. At times humorous; at other times frightening, the book gives an objective overview to how crazy people will act in the name of their religious zeal. The book offers few suggestions to solve the nearly impossible problem, another sign of an intelligent author.

A well-written and important book...
Gorenberg, senior editor at The Jerusalem Report, calls the Temple Mount - that site in Jerusalem where two Jewish Temples once stood and where two principal Islamic sanctities now stand (the Dome of the Mosque and Al-Aqsa Mosque) - "the most contested piece of real estate on earth." If that were not enough, he argues that this ancient man-made hill, thirty-five acres in size, has a potentially huge role for "We live in an era of millennial dreams," many of which center on the Temple Mount. His well-written and important book focuses on the Temple Mount's central role for some members of all three main monotheistic faiths in how they understand the future course of the world. While Muslims get their due, he portrays them basically as spectators to a drama whose main actors are Christians and Jews.
Excellent introduction to issues in the middle east
Gorenberg provides an excellent introduction to some of the complexities in the Middle East, particularly those surrounding the Temple Mount.This is not the most comprehensive book on this issue, but it provides some fascinating details especially in the unlikely alliance between American evangelical Christians and Jewish extremists. Gorenberg shows how fundamentalist Christians support the Jewish desire to rebuild their temple on this site as part of their "end of times" scenario.His coverage of these fundamentalists' fervent belief that we are living in the end times as predicted by the book of Revelations is eye-opening.Previously I thought that those who believed the book of Revelations was any more than 1st or 2nd century apocalyptic fiction was a head case....now, after reading this and seeing the whole "Left Behind" series phenomenon, I can see the true power of this evangelical movement.Gorenberg talks about this movement as well...certainly in light of 9/11, the War in Iraq, the Indian Ocean Tsunami and the NBC television series, the movement appears to be growing.The most troubling aspect of the fundamentalist evangelicals is that they are a powerful and influential group in American politics, not only affecting US elections, but our policy on Israel. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Ancient - General    2. Christianity and other religions    3. General    4. Islam - General    5. Jerusalem    6. Judaism    7. Political aspects    8. Politics / Current Events    9. Relations    10. Religion    11. Religious fundamentalism    12. Temple Mount (Jerusalem)    13. Theology    14. Armed conflict    15. Christian theology    16. Comparative religion    17. Islam    18. Israel    19. Religion & Theology | Anthropology of Religion    20. Religion / Fundamentalism   

Reviews (11)

Old Testament laws
What else can I say about this that hasn't already been said?I had heard of the scrolls, and for a long time only had a vague sort of interest in them. Having read them, I am glad I did.They expand on and include most of the laws talked about in the first five books.If you buy this book, you must also buy the Nag Hammadi.They complement each other very well.

Perfect on having a glimpse on whats on the mind of these ancient people
It can be an eye opener scholarly speaking to those who are studying about the nature of what is judaism is all about. Although many believe it is a sectarian composition (i think it is...). While reading it, it tells me many lessons that i could consider...(It will be to long to elaborate). I think those people who have an interest just as mine (scholarly) will benefit from it.

The Sea may be Dead but not so the Scrolls.
As a newcomer to the Dead Sea Scrolls, I really appreciate the very compehensive introduction to the revised edition of this book, which makes the reading of the texts themselves even more fascinating.
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Subjects:  1. Dead Sea Scrolls    2. Judaism    3. Judaism - Sacred Writings    4. Religion    5. Religion / General   

Reviews (2)

Demonstrates How Well These 3 Religions Can Interconnect
This book is an inspirational work taking a look at people who classify themselves as Christian or Jewish, but who commit themselves also to the teachings of the Buddha. When three traditions like this meet, it's like, as Jack Miles points out in the foreword, 3 drained travelers gathering at a resting spot discussing their journey. All three traditions are ancient, but spiritual practice is new and exciting for anyone who engages themselves in it's wonderful arms. All three paths take practice and dedication, not one of them we simply understand "right off the bat." This book truly is fascinating in it's representation of all three dominant world religions and how one can successfully utilize the very best of the teachings offered by them all. If you enjoyed "The Good Heart: A Buddhist Perspective on the teachings of Jesus" by H.H. the Dalai Lama, your sure to enjoy this book, likewise. So what are you waiting for? Buy it!

Beside Still Waters:
Some of the essays were way over my head but in general I liked the focus of the book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism    2. Buddhism - General    3. Christianity    4. Christianity - General    5. Christianity and other religio    6. Comparative Religion    7. Judaism    8. Judaism - General    9. Pluralism    10. Relations    11. Religion    12. Religion - World Religions    13. Religion / Comparative Religion   

Reviews (92)

Well researched but without emotional appeal. Only mildly recommended.
Schindler's List is the story of Oskar Schindler, a German business man that saved the lives of "his" Jews (those that worked in his factory) during World War II. The book is, in large part, nonfiction: some dialogue comes from the author's brain, but the events and characters are generally based in well-researched fact. As a result, the text is informative but lacks emotion, gets bogged down in numbers and reports but still managing to introduce and discuss one small aspect of the war: a man who saved lives. To be honest, I only appreciated the book for its historical and educational value. As a novel, it's lacking in humanity and overfilled with detail. It didn't live up to my expectations.
Man From Bethlehem
I make this an annual event, to re-read Thomas Keneally's inspiring story of Oskar Schindler.Writers have sought to contemporize Jesus;they need not look further than Schindler's WWII story, a biography of action, of spiritual dimensions.One man becomes a hero while the world is in a violent grip of madness and darkness, like the time we're in. Yet, who's going to come forth now?Not a MTV star,nor an "American Idol."It will take a merchant of war to stand apart from the status quo, even if it means abandoning "business ways." Like the Man from Bethleham, Oskar avoided violence,(grew employees) to achieve a lasting legacy.No Jack Welch or business tycoon who pre-empts competition would understand this.

Unforgettable
Schindler's List is unadulterated proof that a part-fact, part-fiction book can succeed. The product of painstaking archival research and personal interviews, Schindler's List is a riveting, painful account of a German entrepreneur's transformation into an extraordinary humanitarian who plucked from the jaws of death many thousands of people who were marked for extermination. Oskar Schindler is far from perfect. He's a hard-drinking womanizer and profiteer. But that's what makes him so appealing. Schindler rises above his faults, and, at great personal expense, risks his life to save thousands. Beware, this isn't a book for kids. There are many graphic scenes that adults will find hard to take. But it is a unique, redemptive story of a Holocaust hero that should be told as long as human beings walk the earth. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - Historical    3. Historical - General    4. Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945)    5. Judaism - General    6. World War, 1939-1945    7. Fiction / General    8. Modern fiction   

Reviews (15)

A Great Informative Book
This is an awesome book.The author provides a detailed overview of controversial issues. I was engrossed in the book for hours. My husband felt totally neglected.I would recommed this book to anyone who has concerns about historical issues.Mr. Gardner provides the reader with the most ancient names of God, history about Moses, the power of gold, and the holy grail.

A great read, but not perfect...
This was my first Gardner book (though not my last), and I was quite impressed with it. It puts forth a lot of good information, and good theories. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars, is that Gardner tends to have trouble staying on topic. For example, he'll end a chapter on some amazing scientific find, then ramble on for a chapter nearly twice the length of the previous one about the genealogies and lineages of people in the Bible. Sometimes I skipped chapters outright, just to continue reading on topic. But, that aside, I do reccommend this book if you have any interest in alternate histories, alchemy, or even physics for that matter.

Excellent Research!
I have read all of Laurence Gardners books and have his lecture on DVD. I have researched his claims about White Powder Gold via NASA, Boeing Aircraft Co.and many others and yes the research is happening and yes the stuff does work (personal experence). But there are some company's selling bunk, so buyer beware and ask questions. Fast read, hard to put down. It amazes me how quickly narrow minded people can't get past groundbreaking news. Some people feel so cozy with ingrained beliefs, however this news is earth shattering. Read it then research for yourself! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Ark of the Covenant    2. History    3. Judaism    4. Judaism - Rituals & Practice    5. Religion    6. Religion - Commentaries / Reference    7. Mind, Body, Spirit    8. Religion / History    9. Unexplained phenomena   

Editorial Review

Claudia Roden, author of Read more

Reviews (31)

The Book of Jewish Food - an odyssay from Samarkand to New York
Even if the recipes weren't superb (which they are!) reading the history of a people through its food is totally enjoyable. I've read and reread it learning something new each time.

A Superb Story
The narrative that comprises a large amount of the book is the most fascinating informal history of the Jewish people that I have read.The old photographs alone are worth the price of the book.I have glanced at the incredible variety of recipes from all over the world and someday I may try one.A gourmet cook will have a field day.A historian will be enthralled.

Culinary exploration
This book is a history of a nation intertwined with smell and taste. As you read you can picture yourself observing themagic of the preparation of food. Wonderful.
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Subjects:  1. Cookery, Jewish    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Regional & Ethnic - Jewish & Kosher    5. Cooking / Jewish & Kosher    6. Jewish studies    7. National & regional cuisine    8. COOKING/WINE    9. Kosher   

Reviews (15)

Great Progressive resource
I got an extra copy of this book at my first meeting with the (Reform) rabbi who did my original conversion.It's really an incredible concise guidebook for establishing a Jewish home and working rituals and traditions into everyday life.Ms. Diamant doesn't operate under any assumptions about the reader's prior experience or lack thereof in living a Jewish life and maintaining a Jewish household, so there isn't any talking down to the reader nor failure to explain something due to falsely assuming this is basic knowledge to everyone.There are chapters and sections on all sorts of subjects, such as the b'rit, Kashrut, Jewish publications, what to look for in a shul, weddings, new traditions (such as marking the arrival of menopause with a special celebration, like one last special visit to the mikveh), how to decorate the home, all of the holidays, and b'nei mitzvah.Ms. Diamant explains what to do and why it is done, though she never preaches to the reader and dictates that this absolutely has to be done, and that it can only be done in this certain way, or else.She acknowledges that within liberal/progressive Judaism, there are many new traditions and ways of doing things, as well as old longstanding traditions that are still widely done, and that there is more than one right way to do these things.For example, in the section on naming a baby, she mentions that it's still common for people to name a baby after a relative, sometimes with the tenuous connection of the first initial, but doesn't say that a baby must only and always be named after a relative the way a lot of (Ashkenazic) North American Jews seem to believe.She also explains that there are multiple ways to observe the laws of Kashrut, with different levels.Some people are going to go whole hog and be glatt kosher, others will only keep kosher at home, others will keep kosher at restaurants but will eat kosher fish and things from the salad bar in non-kosher restaurants, and others will eat meat from the kosher animals (such as cows, chickens, and turkeys) but won't mind if the meat doesn't come from the kosher butcher or doesn't have a hechsher on it at the supermarket.
Limited
When reading the author's mention of driving to synagogue on Shabbat, or cooking on Friday Nights, a voice at the back of my mind told me that such a thing (breaking the Sabbath) would have been abhorrent to my ancestors and 4,000 years of Jewish tradition. Although the author's Judaism fits very well in the context of contemporary American society, for those of us interested in the Religion of our Forefathers.
GREAT BOOK
This book is incredible, leaves you always wanting more.The writing style is easy to read and this book covers anything you would need to know in a basic overall summary of jewish life and traditions.I highly recommend it to anyone wanting to get more in touch with their jewishness or anyone considering converting to judaism or interested in the hows and whys of judaism. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Customs and practices    2. Jewish way of life    3. Judaism    4. Judaism - Rituals & Practice    5. Religion    6. Religion - Judaism    7. United States    8. Jewish studies    9. Religion / Judaism / General