Customer Reviews

An Intelligent Person's Guide to Judaism (Intelligent Person's Guide Series) (Vol 1)

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Unlike many "guide to Judaism" books, Boteach doesn't mince words and he doesn't oversimplify.

Despite this, he manages to clarify and elucidate many key Jewish concepts and introduce new ideas that should make any "intelligent person" sit up and listen; ideas that few Orthodox rabbis are espousing these days, like seriously getting to know people of other religions and learning about their beliefs.

What this book lacks in organization and consistency among the various chapters' subject matter, it makes up for in enthusiasm. Boteach's feeling for Judaism runs deep, and it shows. If you're enthusiastic about Judaism, too, grab a copy of this book and dig in.

I was born into a Jewish family but became an atheist a few years ago. While Boteach is an intelligent and passionate writer, he failed to convince me my decision was wrong. He wrestles with the classic question of theodicy-how a just God can allow suffering- but does not resolve it. Despite this, I still recommend the book to anyone curious about Judaism. He explains it well; he just doesn't justify it.

I enjoyed the book throughly, but some of the arguments presented could have been more convincing and better researched. It seemes as if Shmuelly took bits and pieces of his other books and put them together as a "best of" compendium.

My Suggestion: Rewrite it, it really has potential.