Gateway to Judaism: The What, How, and Why of Jewish Life [Hardcover]

Mordechai Becher (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 2005

Gateway to Judaism delivers an engaging insider look at the mindset, values, and practices of contemporary traditional Judaism. Rabbi Becher demonstrates that Judaism today is anything but anachronistic rites and disjointed rituals. Rather, his book opens a portal to a vibrant lifestyle that brings joy and meaning to Jewish living. Based on years of answering thousands of challenging inquiries, Becher's work blends elements of Jewish philosophy and law with an intensely practical explanation of how Jews actually live.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

" Gateway to Judaism is a book that will inspire, inform and guide readers in exploring their Jewish heritage. The style is user-friendly and the profound philosophical and ethical teachings of Judaism are clearly presented in an up-to-date, relevant manner. To the question 'What is Judaism all about?' this book provides a thoroughly researched, comprehensive and very accessible response ." — Joe Lieberman U.S. Senator

"In today’s challenging world, Jews must understand the how’s and why’s of our identity. This book gives cogent answers. I recommend it highly." — Natan Sharansky Former Israeli Member of Knesset and Minister Author of Fear No Evil and The Case for Democracy

" Gateway to Judaism is a remarkably thorough and meaningful guide to the Jewish calendar, life cycle and faith. This volume will provide renewed excitement and significance to observances throughout the year ." — Malcolm Hoenlein Executive Vice Chairman, Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations

" This is what we ’ve been waiting for! Rabbi Becher ’s masterpiece is thoroughly engaging and comprehensive in scope. His presentation and advocacy of a vibrant and pertinent Judaism will capture your imagination and enhance commitment to the Jewish way of life ." — Dr. Florence Neumann Bronfman Center for Jewish Life , 92nd Street Y, New York

"This is a book that I would not hesitate to give to anyone in the U.S. Army as an insightful, inspiring and entertaining guide to Judaism." — Colonel Ira Kronenberg Chaplain, U.S. Army Reserve

Product Details

• Hardcover: 518 pages
• Publisher: Mesorah Publications, Limited; 1st edition (November 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1422600300
• ISBN-13: 978-1422600306
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.3 x 1.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #298,786 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #24 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Judaism > Movements > Orthodox

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The values and practices of modern Judaism, March 17, 2006

By 

D. Donovan, Editor/Sr. Reviewer "California B... (California, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Gateway to Judaism: The What, How, and Why of Jewish Life (Hardcover)

GATEWAY TO JUDAISM: THE WHAT, HOW, AND WHY OF JEWISH LIFE is an insider's look at the values and practices of modern Judaism. Rabi Becher is a senior outreach expert with Gateways Seminars, helping thousands re-connect to their Jewish heritage. As such a leader, he was often asked for a single book to 'explain it all' - and GATEWAY TO JUDAISM is his answer, covering everything from Sabbath and traditional rituals in modern times to understanding both religious sentiments and social impacts of Judaism in everyday life.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best !, December 14, 2005

By 

VNN (New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Gateway to Judaism: The What, How, and Why of Jewish Life (Hardcover)

Comprehensive and relevant for all Jews with meaningful insights into Torah observance. This text is practical, philosophic and a good reference tool. It's a great read, and a great gift. My highest recommendation across the board!

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is one piece of work!, November 9, 2005

By 

The Sandman "Cooking It Up on Long Island" (Cedarhurst NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Gateway to Judaism: The What, How, and Why of Jewish Life (Hardcover)

I have read numerous general books on Judaism over the years. This one is likely the best. It's certainly up there with classics such as Donin's "To Be A Jew" and Wouk's "This Is My God". The author, whom I've heard in lectures, is brilliant and very funny. But the book comes off as very readable. Not high brow. Excellent summary of the Jewish holidays and the relevant law and philosophy behind them. I wish he'd devoted more space to certain issues, like conversion for example. But then his book would have been huge. It's a serious enough read at some 500 pages. He does a cool thing with cameo appearances of a fictional "Levy family" who illustrate how traditional Judaism works in a contemporary age.