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To Be a Jew: A Guide to Jewish Observance in Contemporary Life

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Every detail of Jewish practice is in this book, along with some of R. Donin's own aggadot and midrash on why these practices are important. In the end though, R. Donin is a believing Jew, and aggadot aside, he would say that any practice we do, we do because it's a mitzvah.

Though Donin writes from an orthodox perspective, he is very gentle with the reader, never insisting that his way is the only way. He doesn't dictate, he encourages the reader to try what feels comfortable, and to explore, and provides material enough for a long, long exploration. I can't think of a single question about daily practice or synagogue etiquette that couldn't be answered by referencing this book.

This book is intended for Jews, and as he states, particularly for Jews who grew up in a household where Yiddishkheit was not present. R. Donin assumes a certain amount of prior knowledge (such as understanding the Hebrew and Yiddish words I've used so far), so this is not a book for non-Jews with a casual interest in Judaism. However, anyone who has read one or two basic books on Judaism, or anyone who grew up Jewish, even if just barely observant should have no trouble with this book.

Donin's writing is more than just engaging, it projects a kindness that really must be experienced. It was as though Zayde were reading aloud to me. The book has heart. Never once do I think that R. Donin has written this book because he is casting for people to turn back to orthodoxy. I really believe he was motivated out of a pure love for Judaism, and this comes out of the pages.

As a French Catholic who has made the decision to convert to Orthodox Judaism, I found this book invaluable, both as a learning source and as a source of solace and joy. Rabbi Donin tells us, in lovely language, just what everyday life is like for the Orthodox Jew.

Unlike many other religions, Judaism is primarily a religion of action and not beliefs. Although certain basic beliefs do exist, much in Judaism remains open to personal interpretation. Judaism does not demand that other people convert; in fact rabbis are encouraged to make at least three vigorous attempts at discouraging the possible convert. Conversion is, nevertheless, possible, and it is important to remember that Abraham was a convert, as was Ruth, a descendant of King David.

In To Be a Jew, Rabbi Donin gives an overview of the history of Judaism and tells us that it was Maimonides who explained that any human being who faithfully observes the Seven Laws of Noah earns a proper place in heaven, no matter what religion he follows. Additionally, The Torah of Moses is a truth for all humanity, whether Jewish or not. Therefore, if one is not prepared to embrace the Jewish religion fully, it would be far better for him to remain outside this beautiful faith.

The Holy Temple, as well, did not benefit Jews only. When King Solomon built the Temple, he specifically asked the Creator to heed the prayers of the gentiles who came to the Temple to pray (Kings I 8:41-43). The Jewish prophet refers to the Temple as a "House for all nations," (Isaiah 56:7). The Temple was the universal center of spirituality, a concentrated point where the consciousness of our Maker filtered down into the world.

We also learn that in ancient times, the service in the Holy Temple during the week of Sukkos featured a total of seventy bull offerings. This, the Talmud explains, corresponded to each of the seventy nations of the world. In fact, the Talmud says, had the Romans only realized how much benefit, they, themselves, were deriving from the Temple, they never would have destroyed it.

Although Judaism certainly does not consider conversion a necessity, what about those who, like me, do find that Orthodox Judaism is the only way to fulfill their own spiritual needs? As we learn in this book, the Code of Jewish Law (the Shulchan Aruch), prescribes three requirements for a valid conversion. Those three requirements are: (1) Mitzvahs. The convert must believe in one Creator and in the divinity of the Torah, as well as personally observe all 613 mitzvahs (commandments) of the Torah; (2) Milah. Male converts must undergo circumcision by a qualified Mohel or a ritual known as hatafas dam; (3) Mikveh. All converts must immerse in the Mikveh, a ritual bath linked to a reservoir of rain water. This must all be done before a court of three Jewish men who themselves are true believers, who accept the divinity of the Torah and observe the mitzvahs.

Conversion, as Donin tells us, must be motivated out of pure love and spiritual desire and not done for the worldly purpose of furthering business or marriage, for example.

Those who are simply interested in the Jewish liturgy or the everyday life of an Orthodox Jew will find this book very interesting, even fascinating, reading. But those who, like me, have made the firm and irrevocable decision to convert, will find the book invaluable.

as a Muslim, I wanted to read a book about Judaism that can help me understand them without so much the effect of politics. this was it, and it has so many chapters of different Jewish Laws and guidance. I particularly liked the chapter of Sabbath.
one thing I noticed, it just clears to me we are much closer than we think we are, the Muslims too are devoted to religion in a practical way as well as spiritual way, it's more of a way of life.

When I was first interested in learning about Judaism I really didn't know much. This book was recommended to me, so I got it. I kind of liked the first part and found some good information, but I got very bogged down just over half way through when it started to get into the ritual a bit more. I didn't really understand what I was reading so I put it down.

After some years and learning from other sources I picked this up again. I was amazed at how my perspective had changed. It suddenly had meaning and I find myself going back to it again and again for guidance and understanding in many areas.

If you are new to Judaism, you might have a hard time with this book, like I did (I found "To Pray as a Jew" even harder), but if you know a bit from other sources and you are really interested in really understanding and remembering the details this is a very good source.

Here is an excerpt to demonstrate how difficult it can be to understand, but how there are gems therein:

"A Jewish definition of holiness may be put in these terms: Holiness does not lie in the ascetic, saintly withdrawal from life, or in excessive denial to oneself of all human pleasures, of in the repression of all human drives. It consists, rather, of full participation in the stream of human community life, sharing the joyous as well as the sorrowful experiences which life has to offer, denying to oneself no legitimate pleasures; but at the same time so developing one's sense of discernment as to be able to distinguish and choose the right from the wrong, the true from the false, the good from the bad, the sacred from the profane, the pure from the impure, and the clean from the unclean. The greater the sense of ethical-moral-religious discrimination, the greater the holiness of the individual."

If you have trouble with this book I would recommend you skip the parts that are difficult for you or just put it aside for a while, but keep it nearby because it is very useful later. Many think of it as a classic. I don't think you'll find a compilation of information like this anywhere else. There is no book I'd recommend in its place.

Being in the process of Baal Teshuvah, I have searched and read quite a few books on Orhtodox Judaism. No other book comes even close to exaplaining so many details of Orhtodox Judaism in such a simple way to understand. If you are intersted in coming back to you Jewish roots, this is the book to read. Everytthing from Holydays, Shabbat, to comforting the mourner is explained in this book. Also, many prayers are listed both in Hebrew and in English. Also, a brief but excellent chapter is devoted to the history of Judaism, from Abraham to the present.

Although this book is primarily Askenazi it is a comprehensive but manageable introduction to Jewish living. I've used this book with people who wish to return to Judaism and they have found it invaluble. Along with 'How to Pray as a Jew' by Rabbi Donin this has to be a standard text for the modern Jewish home where there is little possible access to classical texts. This book is also useful in the class room when answering questions about Judaism before going onto further research. Certainly teachers in Lincolnshire, England, have found this book useful when teaching GCSE and A level Judaism.

This book is exactly what its title proclaims-a very detailed guide to living as a Jew. I did not find it as reader friendly as "Living Judaism". After reading that title, though, I returned to this book and everything was clearer. I highly recommend it as an excellent addition to any library. It stands on its own merits and is second to none.

Without a doubt, this is the best and first book one would want to read to familiarize onesself with the basic tenets of Judaism. It is readable to Jew and non-Jew alike (note the review by the Kuwaiti Muslim), and should stand (well-worn) on the bookshelf of anyone interested in the the Five Great Religions (Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Taoism).

As for revisions, what is there to revise? I've seen printings of this book going back to the 1970s, and they are definitive. Although written from an Orthodox perspective, Donin's writings are as useful to any of the many new Jewish movements beyond the well-known Conservative and Reform groups (please note--it is Reform Judaism, not "Reformed"--empahsising the intentions of the founders to reformation within Jewish practice, akin to the Protestant reformaton).

For the Holocaust scholar or amateur historian--be thankful that this book was not available to Eichmann--who did study Judaism. This knowledge was used against Jews. Somehow, his teacher (a rabbi) was not able to get across the beauty of the traditions, but then again, his student had already made up his mind and was not malleable. Some non-Jews reading this book will look for more...Donin's companion book on Jewish prayer would be a good place to start.

Highly recommended to Jew, non-Jew, scholar or educated lay readers.

If your going to purchase this book I also recommend you check out his other book 'To Pray as a Jew'. Both are excellent resources. I highly reccommend this highly fulfilling read for anyone interested in Judaism and its practices. It is written so that any audience, Jewish or non-Jewish can read it and learn a great deal.

This was a very excellent book to read, especially people with limited Jewish knowledge. It skims the whole surface of Judaism, in a way that is quite interesting. R. Donin does a wonderful job with this book!