Cool Jew: The Ultimate Guide for Every Member of the Tribe (Paperback)

by Lisa Alcalay Klug (Author)
Key Phrases: kohen gadol, mazal tov, Lah Lah, Yom Kippur, Ghetto Gear Guide (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
Heebsters take over Jewish New Year, not to mention New York. --New York Daily News

Review
Cool Jew picks up where the do-it-yourself Jewish Catalog series left off.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing (August 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0740771132
• ISBN-13: 978-0740771132
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #77,606 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Witty and Sometimes Outrageous Jewish Humor!, October 8, 2008

By	Sheri S. (Montreal, Quebec) - See all my reviews

Upon first glance, "Cool Jew" may seem to you like a humorous parody for entertainment purposes. And, you'd be right. However, amongst the cheeky writing and amusing games, there happens to also be a lot of handy and educational information. For example, there are sections outlining each major Judaica item, such as the Kiddush cup and the Chanukah menorah. Also, you can find a detailed description of traditional foods associated with each Jewish holiday (because food is after all, very important in Judaism!) and explanations of the various head coverings worn for men and women. Look out for interesting historical information and tidbits on famous Jews, as well.

The humor does range from the witty to the outrageous! There are definitely sections of the book that have the potential to offend the more devout among us but that is exactly why a lot of the content shouldn't be taken too seriously. It is all in good fun and Klug, being a proud member of the Jewish faith herself, would not intentionally insult anyone. Some ideas however, may not be for the faint of heart, such as the idea to take yarmulkes/kippas (Jewish head covering) and "sew leather shoelaces on a matching leather pair to create a sexy string bikini top". Talk about risqué religious humor!

Funny highlights include:
-Letterman-like Top Ten lists
-`Recycle, Reuse, Reschmooze' sections that offer other uses for common Jewish objects
-`FYI for the Yiddish impaired'

Other great features are the hilarious and sometimes wacky drawings, photographs and comics located throughout the book.

On the cover of the book is says that the book is not just for Jews, which is absolutely true. Non-Jews may not understand all of the humor, but it would probably a very enjoyable way to learn more about another religion and pick up the `Jewish slang'!

"Cool Jew" is a fun read and recommended as great entertainment when read with friends and family (which I did, and it really is!)

http://bookopolis.blogspot.com

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Too much fun for one evening, March 19, 2009

By	Apple (Santa Rosa, CA) - See all my reviews

Cool Jew is the perfect gift to bring for your Seder hostess. The book reminds us that being cool and being Jewish are not contradictory - in fact - it is way cool to be Jewish.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Humourous, Entertaining and Full of Knowledge, December 17, 2008

By	J. Paul (Sunrise, FL USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Cool Jew: The Ultimate Guide for Every Member of the Tribe
I bought the book for myself as a pre-Hanukkah present. It is a great read and worth twice what you charge for it. (OK, maybe only 50% more). Ms. Klug's style is light and fun, but presents lots of info in a realtively small space. (And yes, it was Eva not Zsa Zsa, who was in Green Acres - but since they were sisters, what difference does it make? And Werner Klemperer's father was Jewish, so by moden Jewish paternal lineage, he was definitely a M.O.T.).