Reviews (36)

It's a good book - read it.
I would recommend this book to any parent who is experiencing trouble with overprotected and/or overindulged children. Though I am myself not Jewish I liked how the author - based on Jewish beliefs - reassured parents that it is ok to set limits and ask your children to pay you the due respect. Afterall, you are supposed to be your child's parent and not his/her friend! Parenting is not about pampering or protecting but about preparing for life. Even from a non-religious point of view the book made some good points; a lot of the other suggestions made in the book were pretty much common sense but I guess that also depends where you come from. What I liked most about it though was that it encouraged parents to accept that a kid might just be "normal" and it is somtimes more important to accept that than to try to turn your child into something it is not (read: a genius). It's a good book - read it.

Wisdom for the new parent
Jewish or not - this book has a great read tone to it, feels pratical and possible and is always going to stay on my shelf.

Helpful book
I find I don't come down solidly on either side of the argument between putting children's needs first or maintaining a more traditional strict discipline, denying kids' their wants to build character.I think of the former as the theory promoted by La Leche League, and I do feel that kids have legitimate needs, and those needs should be acknowledged and met.
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Subjects:  1. Family & Relationships    2. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    3. Family/Marriage    4. Judaism - General    5. Judaism - Rituals & Practice    6. Parenting - General    7. Advice on parenting    8. Family & Relationships / Parenting    9. Judaism   

Editorial Review

In 1988, Rabbi Joseph Telushkin undertook amission to heal "Jewish ignorance," an affliction whose symptoms include the ability to name the three components of the Trinity, coupled with an inability to explain Read more

Reviews (62)

converting to judaism
Having purchased this remarkable book and thinking that I knew quite alot about Judaism was quite an eye-opener for me. I was astonished at the wealth of information this work has to offer anyone who is interested in learning the basics of the jewish faith. The articles which are divided between the Bible, the holidays, the history of the jewish people, the holocaust and other subjects provide the reader with an excellent source of material and a basic knowledge of all things jewish. I recommend it highly.

No Jewish home library is complete without it.
I find myself returning to this book again and again to answer questions that come to mind and many discussions I have been part of have been started by a single sentence in this book, as Telushkin is wonderful at examining various perspectives on any given subject. And, Telushkin also has a knack for reporting a lot of information in a very concise, clear manner-- no long, drawn out rambles at all.

5* Brilliant Read - All Jewish households should own a copy
I bought a copy today, and although I have not (quite) finished reading it, it is already clear to me that R' Telushkin has written an excellent book, ranging from history to topical issues and much more. The quality of this book is very high, and although it does occasionally not go into quite enough detail, at least this means that, unlike other similar books I have seen, it flows very well, and is well suited to its target audience.
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Subjects:  1. Customs and practices    2. History    3. Jews    4. Judaism    5. Judaism - General    6. Judaism - Rituals & Practice    7. Reference    8. Religion    9. Religion - Judaism    10. Jewish studies    11. Religion / General    12. Yiddish   

Editorial Review

When doctor and author Rachel Naomi Remen (Read more

Reviews (44)

Good book but not what expected
Very encouraging stories yet I prefer to see those positive stories tight to the hand of of the Lord.

Required reading for doctors?
The stories of real communication in this book will stay with me for a long time.I wish Dr. Remen's examples of listening and being present would be required reading for medical residents and practicing doctors,especially in this time of increasingly computerized medicine.
Read and receive a blessing
This is a great book. It affirms that healing has a spiritual dimension. Some of the stories touched me in such a way that I will remember them all of my life. I read this book as part of a book club; it generated good discussion. I plan to give away copies to friends and family. I would also recommend this book to anyone who is suffering from a serious illness. It is both hopeful and real, two qualities difficult to combine in spiritual writing. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Ethics, Jewish    2. Exempla, Jewish    3. Inspirational    4. Inspirational - General    5. Jewish way of life    6. Judaism - Rituals & Practice    7. Personal Growth - Happiness    8. Religion    9. Personal Christian testimony & popular inspirational works    10. Religion & Beliefs    11. Religion / Inspirational    12. Self-Help & Practical Interests   

Features

• Box set

Reviews (4)

Excellent delivery
The time of the delivery was very good, in less than 3 weeks I had my books with me.

Wonderful gift and accesory
These wonderful books deal with tradtional judaism and more controversial issues like conversion and marriage.The first volume is essentially detailed with accounts of 'who is a Jew' 'What is a Jew''What are Jewish holidays''What is the Jewish service and its structure''What are essential Jewish rituals''How do Jews interpret the Torah'.These chapters detail almost any question one might have about what it means to be a Jew, how to live a Jewish life and how to interpret the essential Torah.This volume is wonderful for non-Jews, return Jews, Secualt Jews and normal Jews intreested in exploring their religion deeper.Wonderful excerts explain the origins of such simple items like the Kipa(Yarmluke) and essential questions about Jewish dietary laws. Well written and simple
Best, I think, for children, Jews by Choice, and non-Jews with questions.It is written on a very basic level.Wonderful reference source for when those occasional "trivia question" moments come up, and you simply "have to know." ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Jewish - General    2. Judaism - Rituals & Practice    3. Religion    4. Religion - Judaism    5. Judaism   

Reviews (3)

Wise advice throughout, for anyone
One of the things I find most wonderful about this book is that I can pick it up and read only a page, and have something worth thinking about.It is packed full of good, clear advice and ethical guidance. On first glance there are some ideas that seem obvious, and some that seem impossible. But with further reading and effort the impossible becomes easier to conceive of, and ideas that seemed obvious reveal hidden depths. I am on my second reading of the book, mixed with frequently jumping around in the text, and I'm certain I'll get something new from it with future readings as well.
excellent for the High Holy Days
Like Telushkin's Book of Jewish Values (which overlaps somewhat with this book) this book is not only full of practical ethical suggestions.Here are a few examples:
ample encyclopedic mind
In a longer review for jbooks.com, I wrote: "Spending time with this first volume is akin to tapping into Rabbi Telushkin's encyclopedic mind. Fortunately, it's both an ample and organized mind, as evidenced by the logical breakdown of chapters, the bulk of which appear in the second part, in which basic virtues and vices are explicated. Everything from civility and forgiveness to anger and hatred are laid bare." You can read the full review at [...] ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Anecdotes    2. Essence, genius, nature    3. Jewish Law    4. Jewish ethics    5. Judaism    6. Judaism - Rituals & Practice    7. Judaism - Theology    8. Philosophy Of Judaism    9. Religion    10. Religion - Judaism    11. Moral theology    12. Religion / Judaism / Beliefs, Practices, Rituals   

Reviews (6)

Conservative Halachic guide
Rabbi Klein of blessed memory was a devoted scholar. And this work of Halachah is a comprehensive guide which should be of great use to every Conservative Jew. I would take exception to one reviewer's mark suggesting that it is ' the Halachic guide'. Orthodox Jews care more in general about Halacha , think it and live it much more consistently than do the general rank and file of Conservative Jews. Rabbi Klein's book is not for the Orthodox although they too can learn much from it. I would also point out that there is a review on the Amazon site by Doughron which is outstanding, and outlines in detail the contents of this excellent volume.

A dense excellent reference for serious Jews
This book, by the late Rabbi Isaac Klein, of blessed memory, is the only fairly comprehensive guide to Jewish religious practice issued by the Conservative movement. As such, it is an indispensable reference to the practicing Jew.Readers will find that their is, in fact, very little difference between themodern Orthodox Halachah and that set forth by the Conservative movement's Rabbinical Assembly.The difference is, of course, in the theological approach. A requirement
Every serious open minded Jew should be familiar with this book. Every Conservative Jew should own it. More importantly, it is a book that every Conservative Rabbi should urge his/her congregants to own. That won't happen- but you should still buy this book and tell your friends to buy it too. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Customs and practices    2. Dietary laws    3. Jews    4. Judaism    5. Judaism - General    6. Judaism - Rituals & Practice    7. Liturgy    8. Religion - Judaism    9. Rites and ceremonies   

Reviews (32)

Breathtaking
The Sabbath is an awesome book to read for both Jews and Christians alike. Heschel's discussion of time, space and posessions is inspiring, and transforming. As a Christian, I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and found it to be a very enlightening description of Jewish heritage. It challenged me to think about what time I observe with God, and for what reasons; what are my priorities; and how effective am I in living out my faith.

The most beautiful book of all time
The wisdom contained in this book is incredible. It is a must read for all people who think our society is too focused on materialistic achievement. Heschel's call for a day of rest is desperately needed. My favorite book.

Great Old Testament perspective!
Really helped me understand the Old Testament view of
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Subjects:  1. General    2. Judaism - General    3. Judaism - Rituals & Practice    4. Religion    5. Religion - Judaism    6. Religion - Socialissues    7. Sabbath   

Reviews (3)

Expansion of understanding of the practice of Jewish Spiritual Direction
Editors, Addison and Breitman's "Jewish Spiritual Direction" bring together an extraordinary group of writers and thinkers who present ideas, perspectives and learnings within the growing field of Jewish Spiritual Direction.This book explores from a Jewish perspective universal themes about seeking the Holy and seeking meaning for everyday lives.The writers delve into and give expression to the particular ways that the tradition prays, questions, teaches about God. Essays exploring Jewish texts inform and expand the understanding of a Jewish perspective of spiritual direction and ground it within the tradition. The glossary of terms increases the accessibility of the material for all.
A complete and "user-friendly" guide that draws upon both ancient and contemporary Judaic sources
Jewish Spiritual Direction: An Innovative Guide From Traditional And Contemporary Sources, knowledgeably compiled and expertly co-edited by Rabbi Howard Avruhm Addison and psychotherapist Barbara Eve Breitman is an in-depth study of Jewish theology and Judaic spiritual philosophy. Deftly presenting the symbolic, scriptural, and ritual complexities of Jewish practice and custom, Jewish Spiritual Direction offers commentaries and contributions by sixteen learned men and women on such issues as the vocabulary of Jewish spiritual direction; spiritual direction as a contemplative practice; contemplation and social action; cultivation of a hearing heart; spiritual types; community for spiritual direction; and so much more. A core addition to any personal, synagogue, or academic library's Judaic Studies reference collection, Jewish Spiritual Direction is very strongly recommended as a complete and "user-friendly" guide that draws upon both ancient and contemporary Judaic sources.
A brilliant series of teachings on the current Jewish search for God
This book is a deep exploration of the newly emerging practice of Jewish spiritual direction. In rich, evocative prose, the various writers place spiritual guidance and the Jewish yearning for a direct experience of the divine in a clear historical context, exploring its roots in Torah, rabbinic sources and hasidic writings while acknowledging its profound relation to contemplative Christianity. The editors have included essays by a wide range of brilliant thinkers in the field who explore the relation between personal piety and social justice, using the prayerbook as a template for the spiritual journey, and bringing poetry, art and dance into spiritual direction...among many other fascinating topics. The editors are unfailingly courageous in their approach. They seem to anticipate the concerns that inevitably arise...Is this really Jewish? How can I distinguish between the voice of God and the voice of my own ego? How does contemplative Judaism mesh with the more familiar setting of communal prayer? At each juncture, the questions are raised and considered without giving in to the temptation to provide easy answers. This book is a treasure that somehow manages to address difficult questions without being arcane. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Jewish way of life    2. Judaism    3. Judaism - General    4. Judaism - Rituals & Practice    5. Religion    6. Religion - Judaism    7. Spiritual direction    8. Spirituality - General   

Reviews (25)

(Almost) Everything You Wanted to Know About Judaism
I love love love this book. I am Jewish, but this book really helped explain a lot of things to me that I never knew before or never thought of before. Harold Kushner is so articulate (a quality which I envy!), and he knows how to explain things or present them in a simple to understand way. I recommend this easy to read book to everyone who ever asked me about Judaism, and certainly anyone who is interested in conversion (I meet quite a few people in my line of work who approach me about that). If you want to know more (hence, the ALMOST), visit your local synagogue or look for some websites on the internet (I like aish.com, and I am NOT an orthodox Jew).

A great book for me at this time in my life
I am in the infant stages of my conversion to Judaism, and this book really cemented my conviction that this is the right decision for me.I felt that Rabbi Kushner clearly explained what Judaism is all about to him and, in many instances, to me as well.The chapter dealing with the dietary laws I found particularly helpful and enlightening, as this is one of the most intimidating factors for me in converting to Judaism and living as an observant Jew.Rabbi Kushner's explanations helped me understand the dietary laws in a different way, as allowing the sacred to enter into mealtimes -- which takes the focus off food -- and I immediately began "keeping kosher" to an extent.
An insightful book
This book was written in a conversational style, and it is made clear by the author that he is writing his opinions and thoughts based on a lifetime of studying religion.
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Subjects:  1. Jewish way of life    2. Judaism    3. Judaism - General    4. Judaism - Rituals & Practice    5. Religion    6. Religion - Judaism    7. Religion / Judaism / General    8. Spirituality   

Features

• Illustrated

Subjects:  1. Judaism - General    2. Judaism - Rituals & Practice    3. Reference    4. Religion    5. Religion - Judaism    6. History of specific subjects    7. JUDAISM    8. Religion / Judaism / General   

Reviews (12)

Great read
I was raised Jewish and as an adult I feel like I don't know anything about my religion. I was glad to find a book that offers different views on a variety of subjects about Judaism, and teaches me more than 4 days a week for 11 years of Hebrew School.
Great Book on Judaism
I have used this book for teaching Judaism since it was first published. My students have consistently praised the book as readable and understandable, presenting the wide range of ideas that are part of Jewish life.

Mostly Good, but CAUTION !!
I started thumbing through Wayne Dosick's Living Judaism, but when I got to the Afterlife portion, I was shocked. Someone taught this man that Judaism believes the same as Christians when it comes to punishment in the hereafter. Not so. We believe that the soul undertakes a spiritual "cleansing" of it's sins, but only for a maximum of twelve months. We only say Kaddish, what most folks would call "The Prayer for the Dead" (which is actually a misnomer, as it doesn't even MENTION death !) for eleven months, and not the twelve maximum, not wanting to believe anyone would require the maximum. Rabbi Dosick mentions Hell, which is not a Jewish concept, and eternal damnation, also not Jewish. Other than these things, I found the book very informative, and a good beginner book for anyone wanting a solid intro into the world's oldest monotheistic religion ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Judaism    2. Judaism - Rituals & Practice    3. Religion    4. Religion - Judaism    5. Religion / Judaism / General   

Reviews (4)

Chicken Soup, Kugle and some home spun advice
Sharon Strassfeld's work is autobiographical, yet conveys to her children some of the history and good advice which she thinks they need to be successful in life.Other than keep your priorities around family and someJewishy values, almost no where does one see anything about the children'sfather, as if he never existed, which the reader would be excused if he/shecame to that conclusion. a well-written book from a mother's heart
what a shame that one of the reviewers gave this lovely book only one star because the author, a Jew, advised her children to not seek a marriage outside the faith. 1990's, 1890's - it does not matter. I am not Jewish,but I teach religion on the university level. The number one nail in thecoffin of Judaism is, in my opinion, intermarriage. Studies have shown thatthe majority of children raised in Jewish/Christian homes do not becomereligious Jews. Because the writer is a Gentile female, her children arenot considered Jews at all except bythe most liberal congregations andwould have to convert if they ever did choose their father's religion.Ithought this book was charming and liked the down to earth writing style ofthe mother. I bought it for my Jewish sister in law (who converted formarriage) and she loved it as well. If you never had a Jewish mamma at hometo confer with, or if you'd like to get another mamma's p.o.v. this book isgreat.

amazing, perfect, couldnt put it down
this book gave me such insight on jewish life, Im jewish and I never knew how complex and deep it realy is. strasfeld has some personal opinions wich I dont agree with but I dont think that it calls for the fanaticism of thelast revieer. but this book is not just for jews, the amazing insightsshould be read by ANYONE, bottom line: a must read for anyone and everyone ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Anecdotes    2. Family Relationships    3. General    4. Jewish way of life    5. Jews    6. Judaism - Rituals & Practice    7. Personal Growth - Success    8. Psychology    9. Self-Help    10. Social life and customs    11. United States    12. Advice on careers & achieving success    13. Family    14. Family & Relationships / Family Relationships    15. Self-Help & Practical Interests    16. Srassfeld, Sharon   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (22)

To Be A Jew by H.H>Donin
This is an extremly helpfull book for those wanting to know what Judaism is all about..I personally recommend it as a must for studyingif thinking of converting, or just to understand Jewdaism as a whole..

This is the best bookI have ever been blessed with.
This book is absolutley wonderful and amazing and it saved my life. The Rabbi's prose is eloquent and precise and his selection of source and quotations is intelligent and persuasive.This book is gold.

To learn and relearn about Judaism
I often precede writing a review of a book on Amazon by reading the reviews of others. In reading these I am impressed by the unanimity of positive response to this guide. I was especially impressed by how many non- Jewish readers found this book an understandable introduction to Judaism.
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Subjects:  1. Customs and practices    2. Jewish way of life    3. Judaism    4. Judaism - Rituals & Practice    5. Religion    6. Religion - Judaism    7. Jewish studies   

Reviews (18)

Assumes too much...
While Dennis Prager makes some good points, he doesn't so much explain his ideas as state them as fact. From the very first chapter: Morality is impossible without a God. In the next few pages, he states that, to paraphrase, "every leading moral philosopher agrees" with that statement. I bought the book hoping for an objective view on Judaism and God. I don't feel that's what I'm getting.

The Advanced(but concise)Guide to the religion of Moses,Benny Leonard,Barney Ross and Herman Wouk and...
For anybody thinking of converting to Judaism-or for anybody who considers himself a maven on the subject of Judaism-this is the first book I recommend.And that includes Herman Wouk's 'This Is My God';Wouk,who wrote the forward to this book-and the blurb on the cover,'The Intelligent Skeptic's Guide To Judaism'-seems to agree.For anyone interested in slugging it out in the religious tradition of Benny Leonard and Barney Ross,this book is indispensible and co-authored by a talk-show host who really is a "maven"(Prager)-and probably today's most indispensible,accesible Orthodox rabbi(Telushkin).

Great Introduction
This little number is great for an individual who has little knowledge of Judaism.Displays in a readable way the differences between Christianity and it's parent faith; Judaism.Great read for anyone wishing an introduction into a very misunderstood faith, especially looking on from an outsider.
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Subjects:  1. Addresses, essays, lectures    2. Jewish - General    3. Jewish way of life    4. Judaism    5. Judaism - General    6. Judaism - Rituals & Practice    7. Orthodox Judaism    8. Religion    9. Religion - Judaism    10. Religion / Judaism / General   

Reviews (49)

Conspiracy Theorist
Simply type Hoffman's name into Google and discover that he's an amateur conspiracy theory blowhard. Hoffman recycles middle age Christian Anti-semitic myths about the Talmud here and thinks he's being original. For those who don't know: the Talmud is the Jewish commentary on the Hebrew Bible, it was never meant to replace it, it simply elucidates it. Saying Jews don't keep the Bible is like saying Christians don't either because they have a New Testament. We are, in fact, the only people on earth who are still faithful to the Hebrew Bible (old testament) as being the only revelation of G-d, one that never has been replaced. The Talmud simply tells us what the Bible means and elaborates on its laws. For example, the Bible says only to rest on the Sabbath, and the Talmud says rest is defined by not plowing, reaping, nothing creative etc. The Bible says an eye for an eye, and the Talmud says this is only meant figuratively. Many enlightenment figures like Milton and Locke and even John Adams studied Talmud to better understand the Bible. Hoffman thinks he makes a ground breaking discovery by telling us there are some statements in the 2 thousand year old massive enclyclopedia of the Talmud that aren't in tune with modern values. Hey Mike, think there are any Christian texts from that long ago that say weird things too? (like kill or non-believers, witches ie-women, blacks are inferior etc.) What Jew haters do is take something that's universal (like intolerance in ancient religious texts, or the fact that Israel isn't perfect as no country is) and highlight it as if it's unique to Jews alone, and this gives Jews some special cosmic sort of evil. This all resulted from early Christianity's attempt to seperate themselves from their Jewish roots and portray Judaism as evil, and itself as the replacement. Many Jews responded by viewing Christianity as evil and idolotrous. Nowadays of course, enlightened jews and christians realize they share more in common than people thought in the dark ages. Hoffman still lives in the dark ages. If Hoffman himself is Jewish, as his name seems to imply, he suffers from the age old mental disease known as self hatred. If not, he clearly is someone who's obssesed with Jews and Judaism and I guess I'm flattered but while Hoffman spends his every waking minute obssesing over the power and influence and mytique of the Jews I assure you none of us has ever payed more than one laughing minute being concerned over him or anyone like him. Long after he's dead and gone and his books collecting dust Jews will continue to study the Bible and the Talmud. Orthodox Jews are, in fact, the most direct line of tradition still maintaining the ancient Biblical tradition with all its laws from before Christianity came and said the laws of sabath and rituals don't apply anymore etc. If Jesus were alive today, he'd probably feel most at home in an Orthodox Jewish synagogue, because that most represents the kind of Judaism he grew up with (many scholars say this).

Very Good, though short and concise. Easy to digest for anybody new to subject matter (I am not new to it however)
I sent Mr. Hoffman, a fine Revisionist from Idaho
A complete Fraud
Having now read the words of this writer, it is truly shocking that even one person on this planet could possibly find some truth in what he has said. Read more

Subjects:  1. Religion    2. Religion / Judaism / Beliefs, Practices, Rituals    3. Religion / Judaism / History    4. Judaism    5. Judaism - Beliefs, Practices, Rituals    6. Judaism - History   

Reviews (40)

Ifyou are Considering Converting
I purchased this book because I find the writer to be fine author and, at first blush the book was directed towards Jews-by-choice and the complexities of conversion.
A nice place to start
This is a good general guidebook to begin with; it's informative and valuable without being too brief or too long.However, one shouldn't feel that one should only ever read this one conversion book, since there are so many other good ones out there, as well as ones that go into more in-depth and detailed territory than this one.It's not meant to be the be-all and end-all on this subject.There's a lot of valuable information in here, such as choosing a Hebrew name, adapting to a whole new personal history and outlook on life, the types of conversion ceremonies, which denomination you'd like to convert through, the wedding ceremony, and how to tell your family and friends about your decision.And yes, this book is written from a Progressive standpoint, but as Ms. Diamant points out in the introduction, that's not meant as an insult to the Orthodox world, but rather because, not only is it not her territory, but also because there is such a large gulf between the Orthodox and Progressive circles of Judaism when it comes to "who is a Jew."If someone were interested in an Orthodox conversion, s/he would have gone to a book like Maurice Lamm's 'Becoming a Jew,' not a conversion guidebook specifically geared towards those of more Progressive persuasions.
A concise beginners reader on the subject.
This book was written from an almost first hand persepective as the author experienced the conversion process her future husband was going through.The book explains this is about a reform conversion, but as such there is a lot here to be learned by anyone considering - or even just curious about - conversion to Judaism, whether reform, orthodox or in between.
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Subjects:  1. Converts to Judaism    2. Judaism - General    3. Judaism - Rituals & Practice    4. Proselytes and proselyting, Jewish    5. Religion    6. Religion - Judaism    7. Judaism    8. Religion / Judaism / Beliefs, Practices, Rituals   

Reviews (31)

Artscroll paperback Siddur: Possibly NOT for your eyes only !
I give it 5 stars for being "complete" (i.e., The idea of having services for every holiday and every day of the week in one volume is wonderful). Ultimately, however, I give it 2 stars because: This paperback edition is totally useless to me. If you need reading glasses and are thinking of ordering The COMPLETE ARTSCROLL SIDDUR (paperback edition), make sure to visit your eye doctor and get those bifocals before this book arrives!The description of this ARTSCROLL edition uses words like "clear"...and "crisp type..."... but it is only clear and crisp if you can read miniature words or you have young eyes that haven't gone through "the change" yet!

see an optomotrist before you buy
the print is quite small. make sure you've got good eyes or a good pair of glasses if you buy this item

Buy it!
I'm a Gentile who has been raised as a Christian but who's more and more drawn to Judaism. I really love to use this prayerbook!
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Subjects:  1. Judaism - Rituals & Practice    2. Prayerbooks - Jewish    3. Religion    4. Religion - Judaism   

Editorial Review

Why are there kosher dietary laws, why must the chapter of curses in the Tora be read quickly in a low voice, and what's the point of visiting a body of water to empty pockets of crumbs on Rosh Hashana? Kolatch writes lucidly and knowingly, explaining the biblical, traditional and superstitious sources of thousands of questions pertaining to Judaism; the comprehensive index is expertly organized. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Great Gift
Give a copy of this book to every kid whose Bar or Bat-Mitzvah you attend. It's a terrific reference for all those nagging little questions. A true classic and a great companion to your monetary gift. I'd also suggest it as a good gift for any non-Jew who'd just like to understand their Jewish friends a little better.

Sensible, Readable & Informative
This book's question-and-answer format makes for easy reading, and should be of equal interest to both Jews and non-Jews alike.Want to know about Jewish marriage, divorce and family life?How about holidays, rituals, differences between orthodox and reform branches, or after affects of the Nazi holocaust?The answers are found here in this slightly dated book, one that was soon followed by a sequel (the Second Book of Jewish Why).This is an informative and nicely readable reference - one can only hope that authors from other religions and traditions will write books with a similar format.

Basic answers
The book provides basic answers to the thousands of questions on Jewish relgious matters.
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Subjects:  1. Customs and practices    2. Judaism    3. Judaism - General    4. Judaism - Rituals & Practice    5. Miscellanea    6. Religion    7. Religion - World Religions    8. Jewish studies    9. Religion / Judaism / Beliefs, Practices, Rituals   

Editorial Review

The Jewish prayer book, or Read more

Reviews (15)

Excellent and informative
I was raised in an orthodox household but always had questions about certain ritual affairs and activities that occured in a shul. Not only did this book answer many of my questions, it even went further and discussed the morning prayers. This book should be a MUST read. In fact, I liked it so much, I gave it to my younger brother and his wife (as PART of a larger wedding gift package). I truly recommend it.

True to Form
A very good explanation of the Siddur ... why certain items are included and their historical back drop. A nice discussion also of how the Sephardic tradition differs from the Ashkenazic.

To Pray as a Jew
A great help to understanding thetradition and reasons for the Prayer service as it is laid out today ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Customs and practices    2. Judaism    3. Judaism - Rituals & Practice    4. Liturgy    5. Prayer    6. Religion    7. Religion - Judaism    8. Siddur    9. Religious rites & ceremonies   

Reviews (19)

She likes it, so it must be good
I got this book for my fiance on the recommendation of my Rabbi.She loves it.

This is indeed THE book to get
My fiance and I were looking for a book to explain Jewish wedding laws and customs.We bought a few different books, and I think this was by far the best. Excellent resource !My fiance has already read it twice!
I originally bought this book from amazon when I first got engaged.My fiance and I are both jewish and have been to many many jewish weddings, but I wanted to learn more.So, I found this book because of all the glowing reviews!And I would like to add another one!