Judaism for Dummies - Softcover

The authors make this book especially engaging by deftly tackling those "I've always wondered..." kinds of questions about Judaism. For instance, what are the guidelines for kosher food? What's the Jewish version of sin? Was Marilyn Monroe really Jewish? (Yes, she converted.) And what exactly do Jews believe about God? The authors answer this last question with characteristic reverence and humor: "Some Jews see God as an external force, a Being outside of the universe.... Some Jews say that God contains the Universe.... Other Jews say that God is the universe.... The one thing that Jews won't argue about, period, is that God--whatever you imagine God to be--is ultimately unknowable and therefore un-nameable." They also note that Jews argue with God in order to know God better. They're called "Children of Israel" because of the biblical story in which Jacob wrestles with an angel and gets his name changed to Israel, meaning "one who wrestles with God."

The authors' lively voices give this stylistically formatted book a unique personality. Sometimes they sound as though they're telling jokes at a dinner party: "Have you heard the one about the two rabbis arguing over the Torah?" and "Yom Kippur means always having to say you're sorry." Other times they sound like fireside elders sharing the old stories of an ancient faith. This is an excellent book for someone preparing to become a bar or bat mitzvah. It could also be helpful for gentiles marrying into Jewish families, or any adult who is planning on converting. --Gail Hudson

"Judaism For Dummies is a delightful and rich resource book for anyone interested in the Jewish tradition." ?Rabbi David A. Cooper, author of God Is a Verb

"Falcon and Blatner have written a warm, friendly, fair, and direct book to share the complex story of Jews and Judaism." ?Rabbi Dr. Zalman M. Schachter-Shalomi "If you are looking to make sense of the Jewish experience, read Judaism For Dummies." ?Rabbi Rami M. Shapiro, Simply Jewish Foundation

Explore the Jewish faith from Chanukkah to the Kabbalah

A fascinating look at what being Jewish is all about If you want to reconnect with your Jewish heritage, or if you're just curious about the Jewish experience, then this friendly guide is for you. With a dose of warmth and humor, you'll discover key Jewish beliefs and traditions, understand the importance of Jewish history, and learn about Jewish holiday celebrations.

Discover how to:

• Recognize Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform Judaism
• Celebrate Passover and other holidays
• Get a handle on Jewish history
• Explore the Kabbalah and Jewish mysticism
• Reconnect with the Jewish faith

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