Customer Reviews

Everything I Know: Basic Life Rules From A Jewish Mother

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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 the coffin of Judaism is, in my opinion, intermarriage. Studies have shown that the majority of children raised in Jewish/Christian homes do not become religious Jews. Because the writer is a Gentile female, her children are not considered Jews at all except by the most liberal congregations and would have to convert if they ever did choose their father's religion. I thought this book was charming and liked the down to earth writing style of the mother. I bought it for my Jewish sister in law (who converted for marriage) and she loved it as well. If you never had a Jewish mamma at home to confer with, or if you'd like to get another mamma's p.o.v. this book is great.

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 the last revieer. but this book is not just for jews, the amazing insights should be read by ANYONE, bottom line: a must read for anyone and everyone

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 some Jewishy values, almost no where does one see anything about the children's father, as if he never existed, which the reader would be excused if he/she came to that conclusion.

The advice is good, wholesome and includes some great recipes, but nothing about how you keep a marriage together.

Given the college age of the children for whom it was written, that looks like a pretty glaring error.

The book reflects the savviness of the author and her reluctant admission that in this day and age, this may be about the only way you can influence children short of direct bribes (which is also part of the author's strategy; It is a shame that not everyone can bribe a child into giving up the Dalton School for a trip to Paris)

This is a book that one can pick up, open anywhere and enjoy and close again. In short, it is enjoyable and readable from beginning to end and shows the considerable talent of its author, whose credits include classics such as the Jewish Catalogs.

I would conclude that her children are fortunate to have such a wise Jewish Mother!

As the Christian half of an interfaith couple, a dear friend gave this book to me thinking it would be helpful in my Jewish educational process. As I read the book, I thought it was a warm, wonderful book full of family history that many people could relate to. A loving mother writes this book to her children, offering them, in most cases, wise advice about how to face the world. Toward the end of the book, the author tells her children not to date or marry outside of their faith. This is 1998! Religions are supposed to bring people together, not separate them! I was insulted, but kept reading until I got to the section that stated if you have to have surgery never have general anesthesia if you can help it because your uncle died from the anesthesia after having a simple toe operation. How very scientific and open minded! The Jewish half of my interfaith relationship is an anesthesiologist. Without anesthesia, many people would not be here today. Yes, anesthesia can be risky, but to generalize with such a statement? I threw the book out after reading this.

Strassfeld talks about overcoming prejudice and antisemitism, however, she herself does not set a good example for the world to follow.

So, what started out as a warm and fuzzy book ended up being a complete insult to people of all religions and backgrounds. I am ashamed to have even read the book.