Putting God on the Guest List: How to Reclaim the Spiritual Meaning of Your Child's Bar or Bat Mitzvah (Paperback)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

This book is destined to enjoy great popularity, for it addresses an important Jewish life cycle occasion in an exciting, contemporary style. The catchy title reflects the tone of the book. In illuminating the meaning of the bar mitzvah ritual, Salkin covers all bases: history, sociology, and religion. Recognizing that the bar mitzvah is an emotional event, particularly in families that are not observant, he explains its significance as a link in the unbroken chain of Jewish tradition as well as a rite of passage. The chapter on the highlights of the Sabbath prayers is useful. Throughout, Salkin offers instant answers to the perplexing questions of faith and belief. In our age of instant gratification, this approach has great merit and appeal. For most Judaica collections.
- Carol R. Glatt, VA Medical Ctr. Lib., Philadelphia
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

"A journey of self-discovery, personal growth, Jewish commitment and understanding. A book that brings us closer to holiness." -- Rabbi Sheldon Zimmerman, President, Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion

"I hope every family planning a bar mitzvah celebration reads Rabbi Salkin's book." -- Rabbi Harold S. Kushner, Conservative, author of When Bad Things Happen to Good People

"In a gentle style....shares both practical and spiritual suggestions for bringing God and significance back to each stage of the bar or bat mitzvah." -- Booklist, American Library Association

"Raises the questions that most need to be asked at every bar and bat mitzvah." -- Rabbi Laura Geller, Reform

"Show's the way to restore spirituality and depth to every young Jew's most important rite of passage." -- Rabbi Joseph Telushkin, Orthodox, author of Jewish Literacy

Destined to enjoy great popularity, for it addresses an important Jewish life cycle occasion in an exciting, contemporary style....has great merit and appeal. -- Library Journal, August 1992

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 185 pages
• Publisher: Jewish Lights Publishing; 2nd edition (July 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1879045591
• ISBN-13: 978-1879045590
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #866,991 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book-shows the true significance of bar/bat mitzva, September 21, 1999

By A Customer

This book should be read by every parent whose child is approaching bar/bat mitzvah. Too often, the significance of the occasion is lost in the "big party". This book focuses on what is important about the bar/bat mitzvah-about accepting responsibilities such as study and performing mitzvot, about the service and about keeping the celebration in perspective. It focuses on the spiritual as it should and helps pull away from the social aspects that often overwhelm the true meaning of bar/bat mitzvah.

11 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Seeking true values, not just an opportunity to party, February 17, 2001

By	David E. Levine (Peekskill , NY USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Putting God on the Guest List: How to Reclaim the Spiritual Meaning of Your Child's Bar or Bat Mitzvah (Hardcover)

There are any number of books which are designed to help you plan the logistics of a bar/bat mitzvah. This book's main purpose, however, is not to be a party planning guide. Instead, this book reaffirms the important commitment a bar/bat mitzvah makes to Judism. A party is fine but truly connecting with God, our people and our ancestors is what the experience is all about. The bar/bat mitzvah experience is explored in a very spiritual, meanful way but not necessarily from the orthodox standpoint. Indeed, the authors are non orthodox. I recommend this book to all who wish to make the bar/bat mitzvah a meaningful means to grow as a Jew rather than as an end in itself.

4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars the right book at just the right time, January 19, 2008

By	Carol Lesser (brookline, ma) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Putting God On The Guest List: How To Reclaim The Spiritual Meaning Of Your Child's Bar Or Bat Mitzvah (Paperback)

When I told a friend that my son was preparing for his Bar Mitzvah, she handed me the greatest gift, Rabbi Salkin's book, Putting God on the Guest List. While financial security is a wonderful thing it has also given rise to unforeseen consequences in my opinion. Case in point is what has happened to Bar and Bat Mitzvahs in the last 10 years or so. Since growing up in the 50's when I attended many Bar Mitzvahs, I have watched in utter amazement how this seminal event has turned from an obvious cause for family and friend celebration into 3 day gatherings that you'd expect to see only on "The Rich and Famous." When did Bar and Bat Mitzvahs turn into storybook weddings and is this all really necessary or desirable? I knew in my heart it was not. Fortunately, reading this book gave me the conviction and inspiration to take back the reins and create a celebration that had all of the magic ingredients that worked for our family where I focused on keeping the meaning of the event central while still providing a space for true joyful celebration. Thank you Rabbi Salkin!