Kosher for the Clueless but Curious: A Fun, Fact-Filled, and Spiritual Guide to All Things Kosher [Paperback]

Shimon Apisdorf (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 15, 2005

Kosher foods, kosher cooking, and the kosher dietary laws are one of the most widely known yet least understood areas of Judaism and Jewish life. Kosher for the Clueless but Curious is the first book to ever present all aspects of kosher--including

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Ever wondered what makes kosher food kosher? Why is keeping kosher important to Jews, anyway-does God really care what we eat? Apisdorf, an Orthodox rabbi, has the answers. With a sense of humor and a light touch, he lays out the basics of the Jewish dietary laws-what foods (like pork, snails and shrimp) are forbidden; how to tell if prepared food bought at the store is kosher. He dispels many myths about the Jewish dietary laws. For example, contrary to popular belief, "kosher" does not mean that food has been blessed by a rabbi. Apisdorf also addresses pastoral questions, gently suggesting that Jews who want to start keeping kosher don't take on all the dietary laws at once: they should begin by cutting out one non-kosher food, and gradually move toward a more complete observance of the whole dietary code. Apisdorf also uncovers the spiritual aspects of keeping kosher. Integral to Judaism, he says, is the recognition that physical, seemingly mundane details can play a profound role in spiritual life. Quirky "bits and bites of kosher history" round out the book. Though certainly not the only introduction to Jewish dietary law, this charming guide is a welcome addition to the field.
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Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Leviathan Press (November 15, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1881927318
• ISBN-13: 978-1881927310
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,006,286 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What makes 'kosher' kosher., March 12, 2006

By 

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

This review is from: Kosher for the Clueless but Curious: A Fun, Fact-Filled, and Spiritual Guide to All Things Kosher (Paperback)

If you think 'kosher' is some kind of antique Jewish tradition or confusing in its dietary requirements, you've come to the right place in deciding to inspect KOSHER FOR THE CLUELESS BUT CURIOUS: A FUN, FACT-FILLED, AND SPIRITUAL GUIDE TO AL THINGS KOSHER. A 24-page color cookbook is included, but the heart of the title lies in its myths, facts, and discussions of what makes kosher foods. Packed with Talmud references, FDA support, references to nutrition and health, and Jewish tradition, KOSHER FOR THE CLUELESS BUT CURIOUS is recommended for a wide audience; from those who keep kosher out of habit to those outside the Jewish religion who wish to understand. Very highly recommended: an exceptional, unusual read.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not Clueless Any More, November 3, 2006

By 

Ms. F. M. Markowitz "book-maven4u" (Fishkill, NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Kosher for the Clueless but Curious: A Fun, Fact-Filled, and Spiritual Guide to All Things Kosher (Paperback)

As a newly observant Jew, this fun book was very informative but never dry. It was easy to read and answered any and all questions that I had as to how to keep a kosher home.

I would highly recommend this book, if you too, are "clueless but curious" about keeping kosher.