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44 of 47 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
humorous and lite, February 9, 2001
This review is from: What to Do When You're Dating a Jew : Everything You Need to Know from Matzah Balls to Marriage (Paperback)
When I first saw this book, I was conflicted, maybe even insulted. But in reality, as a member of the Jewish faith, I am not the book's target. With an American rate of intermarriage that grows higher each decade, this book can't hurt. It can only help to make non-Jewish partners and spouses more comfortable among members of the North American, culturally Jewish tribe. The authors, 31, know a tad about their chosen subject. They have dated non-Jewish men most of their adult lives. Jennifer Block married a non-Jewish spouse, while Vicki Weiss' three siblings all married non-Jewish spouses. The authors witnessed first hand the questions these dates and spouses raised, and the social faux pas they made in front of older family members (you know, like ordering cheese and ham in a kosher deli, bringing bread to a seder, using mayo, buying retail, etc.). If the preceding line in parentheses irritates you, then this book will just enrage you. The book provides an overview and fingernail sketch of the basics of American Jewish practice, a briefing on the rituals and major Jewish observed holidays, and painfully entertaining stories from interfaith couples. You can tell it is a Jewish book, cuz it is peppered with Yiddish terms (sorry, no Ladino), and includes a recipe for chicken soup, and some Jewish jokes. The book has a translation of the Shema prayer, some other prayers, and some quotes, like that of Rabbi Hillel (If I am not for my self...) But a Jewish reader might find these perfunctory, since although there is a translation of the Shema, don't expect to find a deeper explanation or meaning of why the prayer or other quotes are central to the Jewish faith. The authors write that "shiksa" should not be viewed as a pejorative word. Yeah .. right, and if you believe that, let me sell you something at its retail price. Jewish readers might be confused, when they read the Shabbat is on the 6th day of the week, rather than the 7th; but please remember that the book is targeted to non-Jews, who view Sunday as the seventh day. The authors give brief explanations of the major holidays (Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur, Hanukkah, Passover, and the weekly Shabbat). Even briefer explanations are given for the observance of Purim, Sukkot, and other holidays. But as the authors write, if you have to worry about these holidays, then you are dating a "super-Jew"; and maybe they are right, since those observing these holidays are probably not going to be seriously pursuing interfaith relationships. Or are they? So, if you are looking for a painless, glib, lite, humor-filled entry in Jewish foods, eating traditions, and holidays, it can't hurt to read this book, and it may raise questions for further discussion between the couple, or further, more serious study by both partners.
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26 of 29 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Perfect Resource, October 30, 2000
This review is from: What to Do When You're Dating a Jew : Everything You Need to Know from Matzah Balls to Marriage (Paperback)
This book is loaded with information about not only Jewish laws, but the little traditions and rituals that aren't exactly covered in most text books. It is often these family traditions that catch the non-Jew off guard and end up putting them ten steps behind in the battle to win the family over. More than just teach "what" the rules are, the authors do a briliant job of explaining "why". What I really loved was that they present the information in a very easy to read format that allows readers to dive into an issue or simply get a few quick tips. But this book does more...while it is helpful to learn about the basics of Judaism, it is also wonderful to know that you are not alone "What to do when You're Dating a Jew" is enriched with stories from the front line of those involved in interfaith relationships. Often it is these types of stores and how those involved reacted that offer the best advice. The authors have done a great job of finding a perfect balance of stores that cover issues as light as what to bring for dinner and as intense as preparing for a wedding. Probably the best part of the book is the use of humor. Those involved in interfaith relationships know how difficult they can be, but if we can't at least find a way to laugh at the situations, then too often the relationship can go sour. "What to do When Dating a Jew" does a perfect job of allowing the readers to laugh at themselves and those involved, yet does not take it too far and lose sight of the seriousness and difficulties involved.
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20 of 22 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Rings true page after page, July 5, 2004
This review is from: What to Do When You're Dating a Jew : Everything You Need to Know from Matzah Balls to Marriage (Paperback)
Let a Jew read this book, they will laugh out loud. It's full of jokes that ring so true, you may even blush. However, it's also an extremely useful guide for non-Jews looking to learn a bit about Jewish religion and culture. That said, please don't misunderstand. This is a fun readable book, not a serious reference work. If you need training in Talmudic interpretation, this isn't the book for you.
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