Customer Reviews

Jewish Matters: A Pocketbook of Knowledge and Inspiration

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I must confess that I'm a bit biased about this book. I kind of view this as my book, because it's the book that for several years I've been meaning to compile. Let me explain. For the past few years my organization Shabbat Hospitality, has been running Shabbat Experience programs for students visiting Israel from English-speaking countries. We've always wanted to be able to give our guests a book to take with them when they leave, something that would be a path to further Jewish experience. I could never find the right book. The myriad variables of cost, size, look, content, never came together properly. With Jewish Matters, now I finally have the Jewish educator's dream book. I'm sure lay people will enjoy the book very much and I expect it to sell well, but as a Jewish educator I find special use for this book. It has many advantages. Its low price (we ordered in volume, which is even lower), its small size, its attractive cover, and its wide coverage of relevant Jewish topics make Jewish Matters the perfect book for a Jewish organization to give to the people who come through its programs. It's the easiest way to give a newly inspired person an opportunity to further Jewish growth and opportunities. Its variety of content and represented authors guarantees that everyone will find much to enjoy. I'm so happy that Jewish Matters is finally available, because it saved us from having to compile it ourselves. But we could never have done such a good job.

The book really managed to articulate some important points about what Judaism is - and in so doing debunking many misconceptions. It was a total pleasure to read - each of the authors brought a new angle, which kept the book fresh and interesting throughout. I recommend Jewish Matters highly.

I love this book. what a masterful collection of articles! itis so easy to read yet I learned so much. I go to a conservative shulbut have recommended this to many friends from across the spectrum and Jewish Matters has been warmly received everywhere. It is funny and moving, simply lovely. big thumbs up.

Most people will learn more from this little book than from years of Hebrew school. I learned tons and I enjoyed every minute of reading it! Very highly recommended no matter who you are or "where you are" religiously!

I was given this book by an orthodox Jewish family while at their home for a Sabbath meal. This book is chock full of essays containing biblical interpretations and spiritual guidance on most important topics in life including: death, marriage, sexuality, the science/bible debate and much more. This is an excellent book for anybody looking for a roadmap to Jewish spirituality. "Jewish Matters" will help answer (or get you thinking about) the deeper questions of life. Because this book only contains brief essays, anyone who wants a more in-depth discussion on a particular subject will have to explore more books limited to only one topic. In sum, this book is an excellent stepping stone to a variety of spiritual topics.

An incredible work from some of the best in the field. Would highly recommend to anyone interested in issues affecting the Jewish people today.

Although it is almost 2 in the morning, I am wide awake and three quarters of the way through Jewish Matters. I just had to take a break from reading to let you know how much 'knowledge and inspiration' I have gotten from this awesome 'pocket book'! The book is brilliant - it's small size makes it contemporary and palatable and not overwhelming. Yet it covers such a broad scope of information and ideas, each essay written by an expert

Thanks!

This book deals with a spectrum of issues concerning Judiasm, and how Judiasm relates today in the fast paced, modern society we live in. The essays are presented in a crisp, clear and short format, so that I was not bored the slightest. It took me an hour to read the book, and I keep finding myself going back to certain essays that really started to make me think about being Jewish.

I found in this booklet the answer for many questions I always had. I think every jewish home should get one. Maybe it is time to think about our responsabilities. That's it ! Enjoy it...

This book was really engaging; I'm still thinking through what I've read. It should be regarded as welcome and valuable in a world where "discourse" tends to throw off more heat than light.