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

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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.

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!

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.

This book is an excellent introduction to Judaism. Excellent detail without too much on any one topic. There's a little bit on Jewish philosophy, Jewish law, life cycle events, and how Jews think of G-d. Highly recommended if you are just starting to learn about Judaism. This book explains the meaning behind Jewish rituals and fills in the numerous gaps in belief/observance that are left by afternoon Hebrew School.

Also, it sure beats a Kitzur Shulchan Orech as a Bar/Bas Mitzvah present for a non-religious cousin. As Rabbi Becher observes, it makes little sense to tell a kid what order to tie their shoes in before you tell them what it is to keep Shabbos. Many have traditionally given "To Be a Jew" by Rabbi Donin or "Jewish Literacy" by Rabbi Telushkin as the more modern equivalent of the Kitzur Shulchan Orech, but it seems this book is a better choice.

I had the privilege of hearing Rabbi Becher lecture at Ohr Somayach. He is funny, approachable, and a great teacher-three things that oftentimes do not go hand-in-hand. I've known too many Rabbis considered great speakers due to being funny, but found them lacking in their ability to truly teach and/or too aloof when you approach them to speak one-on-one. Rabbi Becher's voice comes through perfectly in this book, and having spoken to him one-on-one at Yeshiva, heard him speak, and listened to his tapes, I can say he is a great teacher. If you are just starting out to learn about Judaism, buy this book. It will be the best investment of your life (before you plunk down $1800 for an Artscroll Shas). And if you are already frum, this book is a great refresher and you will either (A) pick up pieces of knowledge you didn't already know or (B) learn better ways to explain things you've known since birth if you're FFB.

I also recommend, "After the Return" by Rabbi Becher. It's a great guide to those halachic issues that you won't find in many seforim involving integration of a BT into society.

Gateway To Judaism: The What, How, And Why Of Jewish Life by Rabbi Mordechai Becher is an informed and informative introduction offering the reader a well written and in-depth analysis of the contemporary lifestyles and practices of the Jewish people. As a superbly organized and presented study of the many varying intricacies of the Jewish life, Gateway To Judaism focuses upon the modern Jewry, relating him to the jews of ancient or earlier times, and cogently investigates the acceptable new traits, practices etc, as well as defines the line to be drawn when exploring your own practices. Gateway To Judaism is a very strongly recommended read for the traditional practitioner of the Judaic faith, especially those more subversive or explorative.

I have been working with beginners for over twenty years and everyone always asks for a single book that could introduce them to Judaism, Torah and Mitzvos. The truth is, there has not been one book on its own that I really found to be perfect, that is, until now. This book introduces the beginning student of Judaism to the customs, laws, ideas and practice of Judaism in a concise, easy to read, often humorous and always insightful way.

I have not come across any other book that I feel secure in giving to any student, from any background, of either gender or any age other than "Gateway to Judaism".

I truly cannot recommend it any higher. I am sure that I will be buying this book in cases!

Every encounter with Mordechai Becher is memorable. He is a once in a generation synthesis of Torah knowledge, contemporary thought, and common sense. If you want all of that in a book about Jewish thought and practice, this is your book.

In fact, I can't think of a person who doesn't need to read this. No matter what your background, interests, or level of observance, you will be hooked from the first read. Even the footnotes are captivating.

Yehoshua Karsh

Torah Learning Center of Northbrook

Northbrook, Illinois

This is the one to buy! It's simply unbelieveable! Regardless of your religious affiliation, there's something in here for you. It's funny, poignent, challenging, thought provoking, and enjoyable to read. The philosophy is relevant and substantive. The stories are real to life. Even the legal sections are understandable and palatable. What a book.

I loved reading this book ... it tugged at my emotions and gave me new perspectives on God, life, and everything in between. Judaism is so beautiful, but books rendering it are often tedious; not this one. Of all the books I've read on Judaism (I've started 6, but finished only 4), this is by far my favorite. Every time I re-read a section, I learn something new. The explanations are often brief, precise, but well-stated and thorough.

The beginning starts differently than any other book on Judaism - with marriage TWO BECOME ONE - just like in the beginning there was Adam and Eve. He explains how we are incomplete until we find our other half.

The first section of the book renders the "cycle of life" and the holidays (the yearly cycle). The next section is about the Torah and the Land. The third section is about the Jewish persona (modesty in dress and material things), eating for health, physically and spiritually, and character (behavior). The next section is on Thought, the next Speech, and recommended further reading.

So he makes the book about you, not about Judaism as a learning subject ... his rendition really enabled me as a reader to feel Jewish.

After having read Judaism for Dummies [[ASIN:0764552996 Judaism for Dummies] the next logical step was to gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

Gateway to Judaism provides just that. Whether read on it's on, or after Judaism for Dummies, it provides a wealth of important information about Jewish customs and living a Jewish lifestyle. The practical examples of how the Levi family operates and the selected laws for each festival are really helpful.

I highly recommended this book, especially if you're Jewish and want to regain some knowledge that may have faded. It's a good read.