Zen Judaism: For You, A Little Enlightenment (Hardcover)

by David M. Bader (Author) "If you wish to know The Way, don't ask for directions..." (more)
Key Phrases: The Tao

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
On the lighter side is David Bader's Zen Judaism: For You, A Little Enlightenment, a pocket book of laughs. The chuckles begin with the introduction, where Bader claims that Siddartha Buddha (aka Sidney Arthur Buddha) announced early on to his family that he intended to become a great sage. "The idea thrilled his parents, as long as he went to law school first," Bader quips. What follows are short, pithy "koans" that elicit some groans but mostly good-natured smiles: "Do not kvetch. Be a kvetch. Become one with your whining," he advises. This little book will appeal to the growing "Bu-Jew" movement (Jews who seek to incorporate elements of Buddhist practice into their spirituality), but it will also find a wider audience among those who appreciate loving, perceptive humor about religion, the family and other sacred cows.
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal
A sequel of sorts to Haikus for Jews, Bader's new book is a romp through the Zen tradition, matched, sometimes perilously, with the Jewish tradition of self-mockery: e.g., "Enlightenment is a sudden, wordless understanding. Stop telling everyone already" and "The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single 'oy.' " A continual pleasure, this is highly recommended.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 112 pages
• Publisher: Harmony; 1 edition (August 13, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 060961021X
• ISBN-13: 978-0609610213
• Product Dimensions: 6.6 x 4.7 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #152,865 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Bader does it again!!, August 16, 2002

By A Customer

Have you read Haikus for Jews? It is one of the funniest and cleverest books I have read in a long time. Zen Judaism is just as funny and just as clever! And I am not a regular "Jewish humor" customer by any means. I just bought it yesterday and have already reccomended it over and over again. It is perfect subway/bus reading, dinner party conversation (although I'd be careful you don't read it aloud when your guests are eating - they might choke from laughing and eating at the same time), or 'just in the mood to laugh' reading. It is well worth the price - and more! You'll love it!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Now I know where the Jewish Zen e-mails come from, June 7, 2005

By	Honorable Mensch (New York, NY) - See all my reviews

Ever get a message called "Jewish Zen" with lines like "If there is no self, whose arthritis is this?" or "Wherever you go, there you are. Your luggage is another story." They're all taken from this book. It's a lovely little item, which I highly recommend.

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Intelligent and very entertaining, October 2, 2002

By A Customer

As a Jewish person who has explored Buddhism (one of many, I know), I just want to comment that this book captures all that is appealing and funny about Judaism and Zen. It's hilarious and very well-done. (The drawing of the little bird wearing a yarmalka is adorable.) You will learn a little and laugh a lot.