Ask the Rabbi: The Who, What, When, Where, Why, & How of Being Jewish (Arthur Kurzweil Books) [Hardcover]

Rabbi Ron Isaacs (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 078796784X | ISBN-13: 978-0787967840 | Publication Date: October 3, 2003 | Edition: 1

Does God really have a chosen people? Do Jews believe in an afterlife? Why do all Jewish holidays begin at night? When is it okay to tell a lie? What does Judaism say about being gay?
From the mundane to the perplexing, Rabbi Ron Isaacs answers all your questions about the Jewish faith in a manner that is warm, wise, and witty. Isaacs brings his many years of experience as a rabbi and scholar to create a family-friendly resource that you and your children can use again and again to answer questions as they arise in your day-to-day lives— such as questions about: worship services, blessings, famous people in the Bible, miracles, fast days, Rosh Hashanah, Hanukkah, the Seder, circumcision, Bar/Bat Mitzvah, marriage, keeping kosher, sex, death and dying, medical ethics, Jewish beliefs, Hasidim, Jewish denominations, rabbis and cantors, black Jews, Jewish professions, what others think of the Jews, Israel, ritual garments, the Torah, the mezuzah, Anti-Semitic documents and statements, Sephardic and Ashkenazic Jews, language, Jews and cults, kabbalah, and classic Jewish books.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The eager student who enjoys the give-and-take of questions and answers will find this book a sheer delight. Since 1975, Isaacs has been rabbi of a New Jersey congregation and co-director of its Hebrew high school. He encourages his congregants and students to ask questions, even installing an "Ask the Rabbi" in-box. From the hundreds of questions put to him through the years, he has selected the most interesting ones for this primer on Judaism. Written in a simple, amusing, personal style, the book's 32 chapters offer straightforward responses to many complex issues. While the approach will appeal mainly to young people, others will find this a useful manual. The topics range widely from serious concerns such as the nature of God, prayer, and death to more frothy fare, such as, "why are so many comedians Jewish?" and "why do Jews like Chinese food?" A particularly useful chapter describes 10 "classic Jewish books" such as the Talmud, siddur, Zohar, megillah, etc. Jewish parents who are often challenged by their children's questions will find this book a helpful resource, but as a basic, accessible introduction to Judaism, it is also a handy guide for all readers.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 7-up. Like Edward Feinstein's Tough Questions Jews Ask [BKL Ap 1 03], this answers the questions that Jews in general, and Jewish teens in particular, ask about their faith. The book is as wide-ranging as one could imagine, and the questions move from the philosophical (How was God born?) to the more prosaic (Why are there so many Jewish doctors--and comedians?). The pithy queries are divided into expected topics: God, denominations, belief, and ritual. But there are also subjects such as "Black Jews." Isaacs, a conservative rabbi, replies directly, explains how the different denominations do things, and sometimes suggests books to extend the reader's knowledge. The questions are often phrased in a teenager's voice (or perhaps that of a belligerent adult): "I love shrimp. Why should I stop eating it?" There is also information that will particularly resonate with teenagers, such as the section about Kabbalah (What's up with Madonna's practicing it?). An essential guide for Jews and others who want to know more about Jewish practices. Ilene Cooper
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 272 pages
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass; 1 edition (October 3, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 078796784X
• ISBN-13: 978-0787967840
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #305,484 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great introductory resource, June 4, 2004

By 

Trixie "cupcakejones" (Ohio) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Ask the Rabbi: The Who, What, When, Where, Why, & How of Being Jewish (Arthur Kurzweil Books) (Hardcover)

This looks more like like a children's book from the cover but I was pleased to find that it really is written for any audience. The author does a great job of clarifying but not over-simplifying topics so it may even be better suited to adults. Rabbi Ron is from a conservative congregation but is exceptionally even-handed when discussing all movements within Judaism-he devotes a whole chapter to Reform and Orthodox Judaism and briefly discusses Renewal. He also makes for a pleasant, funny tour guide and an engaging representative of Judaism today.

The book is well-organized and easy to skip around if you aren't interested in a particular subject. With chapters ranging on topics from the Torah, holidays and customs, branches of Judaism, history, relations and comparisons between Jews and Christians, and the Kabbalah you'll find enough to at least answer questions if not pique your interest. This was the first book (and obviously not the last) I picked up when I was considering conversion so it's a sentimental favorite. I hope you'll find it as enjoyable and fun as I did.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Informative and entertaining!, October 3, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Ask the Rabbi: The Who, What, When, Where, Why, & How of Being Jewish (Arthur Kurzweil Books) (Hardcover)

I had the pleasure of discovering this book recently. I was searching for an answer on the web and came upon this Rabbi's site (http://www.rabbiron.com). This book was listed there. It is a fun read - not something you have to read all at once. It's divided into many sections so you can find specific answers easily or just browse some of the more intriguing ones.

I think it's great for adults looking to learn more and for kids to introduce them to a lot of the basics of Judaism.

Highly recommended!

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book for Jews and non-Jews alike!, October 29, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Ask the Rabbi: The Who, What, When, Where, Why, & How of Being Jewish (Arthur Kurzweil Books) (Hardcover)

This book asks and answers hundreds of questions about Judaism in a user-friendly and easy-to-read format. Especially enjoyable are Rabbi Isaacs' personal anecdotes which fully engage the reader and add to the value of the book. The book inspires readers to come up with their own questions and in fact, if you go to Rabbi Isaacs' website you can ask your own "ask the rabbi" question! This book is highly recommended for children, teenagers, and adults alike!