Judaism Online: Confronting Spirituality on the Internet (Hardcover)

by Susan Zakar (Author), Dovid Y. B. kaufmann (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
In 1996, Zakar, a web designer, posted a message to a Usenet group called soc.culture.jewish. Kaufman, who had been a participant in the discussion group since 1993, read her message, which asked about what it meant to be an observant Jew, and he responded with what he calls "a homework assignment." Over the next two years, Kaufman played spiritual mentor to Zakar's spiritual seeker as they corresponded via e-mail and through the online discussion group. This book is simply a record of their online conversations about the nature and practice of Judaism. Zakar, raised in a fundamentalist Christian home, very early began questioning the narrow lessons about Jesus and religion her church was teaching her. She found herself, even as early as high school, attracted to Judaism and what she saw as Jews' deep faith and loving obedience to the Torah and the mitzvos (commandments). As Zakar and Kaufman engage in their ongoing conversation, Kaufman unfolds for Zakar the teachings, rituals and observances of Judaism. In one brief note, for instance, Kaufman tells her that "the Torah is God's wisdom, and mitzvos are the garments of the soul; thus, our Godly soul expresses itself through Torah and mitzvos." As a result of this two-year conversation online, Zakar converted to Judaism. While their book demonstrates the opportunities for dialogue on religion created by the Internet, their prose is wooden and self-conscious, and the book reads more like a stilted dialogue between two actors rather than an open, freewheeling conversation about Jewish spirituality.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 336 pages
• Publisher: Jason Aronson (May 28, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0765799847
• ISBN-13: 978-0765799845
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,334,556 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolute MUST READ for anyone thinking about Conversion, June 8, 1998

By	[e-mail] (Brooklyn, NY) - See all my reviews

This book provides the reader with insight to the turmoil which exists in the mind of the person who is looking to change their life.

It provides the reader with basic fundamental insights to Judaism which were never addressed in a public way.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A definite must read for anyone, any age, any religion!, September 30, 1998

By A Customer

This was a truly amazing book as it describes a woman's struggle to find a true religion and faith. As she tells her story, her co-author interjects with diffirent insights and stories. It was a truly inspirational book of a difficult but satisfying journey of one soul bringing three others with it. A soul with wings.

5.0 out of 5 stars An absolute essential for any thinking Jewish person., May 9, 1999

By A Customer

This wonderful book is a must-read for any person thinking about conversion, or in fact, any Jewish person who wants to delve more deeply into their Jewish life and motives.

So many "born Jews" take their faith and what is asked of them by G-d so lightly. Mrs. Zakar is a role model for all of us. The learning, the doing, the quest that fills this book should be an inspiration to any Jewish person. It motivated me to think about what has been given to us by G-d and how He has asked us to connect to him. It is arrogant to say, "Well, here's how I feel comfortable connecting and thinking about G-d. As long as I'm good that's all that matters." Mrs. Zakar delves into why this kind of thinking isn't enough for the Jewish people. She points to the fact that the Torah has already set up the "how" of being "good people" and the specific ways in which G-d wants us to become closer to Him.

Dr. David Kaufmann helped her with the "why's." What a revelation this man is. To so selflessly assist this soon-to-be Jewish person in all her thinking processes. To so patiently answer her questions and always redirect her thoughts to give her the most confidence. What an act of Ahavat Yisroel (loving your fellow Jew) to be such a support to someone. A source of knowledge and comfort. Dr. Kaufmann certainly is a shining example of what a Lubavitcher can be.

The reading just flowed along, as if we were taken on a journey. With Mrs. Zakar at the lead and Dr. Kaufman driving the team we just knew the trip would all lead to a good place. This book is also an example of all the good and worth that can come from the Internet. After finishing the book I felt so privileged to have been "let in on" this wonderful, inspiring, and life-changing correspondence