Nine Questions People Ask About Judaism

by Dennis Prager, Joseph Telushkin

The classic and essential guide for the educated, skeptical, and searching Jew, or for the non-Jew who wants to understand the meaning of Judaism.

If you have ever wondered what being born Jewish should mean to you; if you want to find out more about the nature of Judaism, or explain it to a friend; if you are thinking about how Judaism can connect with the rest of your life—this is the first book you should own. It poses, and thoughtfully addresses, questions like

· Can one doubt God’s existence and still be a good Jew?

· Why do we need organized religion?

· Why shouldn’t I intermarry?

· What is the reason for dietary laws?

· How do I start practicing Judaism?



Concisely and engagingly, authors Dennis Prager and Joseph Telushkin present Judaism as the rational, moral alternative for contemporary man or woman.

Genres: Judaism, Religion, Nonfiction, Jewish, Reference, Judaica, History

218 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1981

About the author

Dennis Prager is a best-selling author, columnist and nationally syndicated radio talk show host based in Los Angeles and heard on 150 stations across the country.

A Fellow at Columbia University’s School of International Affairs, where he did graduate work at the Middle East and Russian Institutes, he was appointed by President Ronald Reagan to the U.S. Delegation to the Vienna Review Conference on the Helsinki Accords, and by President George W. Bush to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council. He holds an honorary doctorate of law from Pepperdine University.

A highly sought-after speaker and frequent cable news show guest, Dennis has lectured all over the world. His New York Times best-selling books include Think a Second Time, Happiness is a Serious Problem and Still the Best Hope: Why American Values Must Triumph. His newest book is The Ten Commandments: Still the Best Moral Code.

Reviews

[Crystal (VanillaHearts62) · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a person converting to Judaism, I thought it was important to read as much on the topic as possible. I didn't want to ask my Rabbi "dumb questions" and there were ideas that I wasn't sure how to approach the topic to my Rabbi. Even if you aren't interested in Judaism, the questions in this book are still beneficial to read. Questions 4 and 6 for example, help educate anyone on the basics that we aren't normally taught.

Judaism doesn't try to convert people into becoming Jews. There are no missionaries or knocks on your door saying you should convert. This very fact makes the book enjoyable because you don't feel like the author is pressuring you to put down the book and start the journey to become a Jew. It is very objective and just says it how it is. I think its a very thoughtful read and I really enjoyed it.

The nine questions addressed in the book are as follows:

1. Can one doubt God's existance and still be a good Jew?
2. Why do we need organized religion or Jewish laws - isn't it enough to be a good person?
3. If Judaism is supposed to make people better, how do you account for unethical religious Jews and for ethical people who are not religious?
4. How does Judaism differ from Christianity, Marxism and Communism, and Humanism?
5. What is the Jewish role in the world?
6. Is there a difference between anti-zionism and anti-semitism?
7. Why are so many young Jews alienated from Judaism and the Jewish people?
8.Why shouldn't I intermarry - Doesn't Judaism believe in universal brotherhood?
9. How do I start Practicing Judaism?

[Shaina Zargari · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very informative book and helped me square Judaism with a ton of other philosophical beliefs- both monotheistic and other types. I enjoyed learning about Judaism’s definition of good and evil and discussions of morality.

[Claire · Rating 2 out of 5]

The first chapter/question is a must read for many people. However, the rest of the book is not as intelligently laid out as promised. In addition, I found myself quickly skipping pages or even entire sections due to deep philosophical disagreements: setting aside the obvious slant of orthodox Judaism and right-wing politics (which I can appreciate even if I disagree), I could not bear to read about the moral superiority of Judaism. Is this not the stuff of wars? Can be likened to Arianism? Perhaps I am too liberal with my belief that no group can call oneself superior, but I do believe the authors require a lesson in humility. I would be ashamed to present this book as representative of my views

[Mike Doyle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book really helped me place Judaism in context with other major religious and philosophical schools of thought, and unexpectedly brought me to the point of understanding Judaism as a better viewpoint (in terms of morality and social justice) than all others. It was pretty breathtaking in doing so. It is, however, written from a distinctly conservative perspective. I don't agree with the take on intermarriage or (Dennis Prager's) near-mindless Zionism, but it was an informative book nonetheless.

[Mim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book.. easy read.. with many gold nuggets of information and wisdom.. loved it.. recommend it!!

[Adam Glantz · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is best understood as an easily digestible first pass for those unfamiliar with, and perhaps vaguely skeptical of, the value of Judaism for a modern person. If it were approached as something more conclusive, it might come off as flip in its assurance that God is a Necessary Being without too much consideration given to David Hume's critique of the Design argument, and it might seem dated in the space it devotes to countering Marxism and counseling support for Soviet Jewry. It's certainly conservative, though its conservatism is the thinking person's variety, which helpfully anticipates a variety of counterpoints to its assertions (though, as just mentioned, not all). It's polemical, but honestly and openly so. Giving its bundling of the values of belief in God, ethics, and reason, it's perhaps a more serious problem that it tends to ignore the last of these.

At the same time, most of this book is still relevant, particularly when so many Jews are more ambivalent than ever about their religious heritage. It bravely asserts that not all traditionally observant Jews are following their religion if they ignore its ethical strictures. Its survivalist qualms about intermarriage are helpfully alloyed with the perspective that marriage is an opportunity to put one's fundamental values into practice, with all this entails for choice of a partner. And its Zionism, while thoroughly one-sided, still makes sense in this type of book, since the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is both perpetually topical and loaded with moral resonances. Above all, for anyone interested in Judaism, it's valuable to observe its case made to the secular world with conviction and commitment.

[Simcha York · Rating 4 out of 5]

Prager and Telushkin's The Nine Questions People Ask About Judaism is a somewhat dated but solid approach to observant Judaism. The book takes the form of responses to nine questions (Can one doubt G-d's existence and still be a good Jew? Why do we need organized religion or Jewish laws - isn't it enough to be a good person? If Judaism is supposed to make people better, how do you account for unethical religious Jews and for ethical people who are not religious? How does Judaism differ from Christianity, Marxism and Communism, and Humanism? What is the Jewish role in the world? Is there a difference between anti-Zionism and anti-semitism? Why are so many young Jews alienated from Judaism and the Jewish people? Why shouldn't I intermarry - doesn't Judaism believe in universal brotherhood? How do I start practicing Judaism?).

While each question is answered to varying degrees of satisfaction, the book's primary strength comes from the authors' love of Judaism and an observant Jewish lifestyle. In their hands, the book built around these questions becomes a meditation on developing and nourishing an appreciation for a Torah-centered life even in the context of modern Western culture. Nine Questions is, in short, a unified work that essentially addresses the big question, "Why bother?" Why bother embracing Judaism? Why bother living an observant lifestyle? And it's this big question that this book answers most satisfactorily, with the authors making a strong case for a Judaism that is still relevant, meaningful, and fulfilling.

[Stevie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am in the process of converting to Judaism and selected this book as the subject of one of my required book reports. Contrary to its promise to explain Judaism in a way appealing to skeptics, I found this book actually had the opposite effect on me, and I’m very glad this wasn’t my introduction to Judaism.

It was written in the mid nineteen seventies from a Conservative viewpoint, and seems very heavy handed in its arguments (positing that believing in God is the only way to create an ethical world; that Jewish law is better than secular law; and that there should be a Jewish “revolution.”) The book also seems entirely unwilling to question Israeli politics; argues vehemently against intermarriage on the grounds that children of interfaith families won’t be raised as Jews (today, the opposite is actually true.). Finally, the book’s recommendation for Jewish practice seem to say that you need to go all in or not at all. Wearing a tefillin is hardly entry level how to practice Judaism advice.

Granted, I’m coming from the perspective of an interfaith family who belongs to a progressive Reform Congregation, and it’s been 40 years since this book was written, but I had a really hard time with this book, and I don’t feel like it presented a compelling case for “intelligent skeptics” at all.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some of the authors' arguments about ethical monotheism's superiority to secular humanism and other systems of thought are conclusory--they set up straw targets and then knock them down too easily and quickly. In spite of that, I enjoyed the book because it opened a window onto Jewish perspective with which I am largely unfamiliar (I am a non Jew) and it is nice to learn about something that's so important to so many people, even though I understand that the authors can't speak for every one of the millions of Jews in the world. The writing style is very accessible and conversational, as well as thought-provoking, in that the authors' thoughtful and earnest statements of belief push the reader to ask what she herself believes.

[Spider Goddess · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did like this book. There were several great points that were made, and ideas that I had not considered in the way presented in this book. However, there was also much that I did not agree with, and arguments that did not quite make sense if reasoned out fully. As with many books on a subject as wide ranging as religion, even within one religion, there is much to be debated within these pages, but the fact that it makes one think in a very detailed manner about your own beliefs and ideas is definitely a testament to the overall worth of this book.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Joseph Telushkin referenced this book often in his book about Hillel (which I enjoyed a lot), so I decided to check it out. Definitely got off on the wrong foot with the whole chapter about moral behavior necessitating the existence of God (I want to send a copy of Greg Epstein's "Good Without God" to these guys), but some of the other chapters about Jewish belief were interesting. Overall kind of browsed through it, since I picked it up to elaborate on things from another book.

[Zhelana · Rating 2 out of 5]

The authors of this book had clear issues with other philosophies and religious systems. Their understanding of atheism and Marxism (two philosophies which I have studied, but do not agree with) are as caricatured as the version of Judaism they are afraid our children are being raised with. The book is also quite dated with an entire chapter on what they think you should do for Soviet jews. One wonders why they have not updated their book in the past 25 years.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

That passing on practices and rituals are far less relevant to conveying to my children why my Judaism is so important to me than would be letting them experience the startling effects of my upholding the extremely high standards of the moral code to which I am choosing to hold myself and seizing opportunities to talk about and share the experience of my values with my children.

[Miriam Delasalle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good resource if you have ever been curious about Judaism and how it relates to the modern world. Easy to digest in short chapters and not too impressed with itself or preachy (you know what I mean...)

I also like the use of footnotes to articulate ideas without distracting too much from the initial message.

[Liz Schlosstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful collection of answers to common questions about Judaism. Presented in a logical, pragmatic approach to dispelling myths and generating awareness about the Jewish faith. A must-read for anybody interested in becoming more observant.

[Ben · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's good to go back the basics. The wealth of information about actual Judaism and Jewish philosophy more than makes up for the lesser parts of the book, (e.g. the chapter on Zionism got a little weird). This book is intelligently written and can definitely be helpful for Jews and non-Jews alike.

[Ella Nora · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really helped me decide to begin the process of converting to Judaism. As a fully-fledged Jew now, I still come back to this book. One of the most fascinating and integral parts of my Judaism is ethics, and this book posses mostly ethical questions. Great book.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. In some ways, it gave me a better perspective of Judaism. If you substitute Mormonism for Judaism, much of the material discussed was very relevant. Of particular interest to me was the discussion of the observance of the Sabbath day.

[Cristina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Intro to Judaism.

[Jon-Erik · Rating 1 out of 5]

If I wanted to see someone knock down a bunch of straw men, I'd put The Wizard of Oz on repeat. Once again, Prager=fail.

[Roxy Beardall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent.

[Tom Darrow · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent introduction into Judaism for a non-Jew. Written in an expanded question and answer style.

[Marc Spector · Rating 5 out of 5]

very insightful-easy to read and understand and thought provoking too.

[Liz · Rating 2 out of 5]

If Ken Ham converted to Judaism and wrote a book about his new faith, this is what it would sound like.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review: https://hiplibrariansbookblog.com/201...

[Richard Cabacungan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great text into understanding Judaism a little more completely while not being a complete account of all of Judaism's tenets. I have to admit that my understanding is very shallow and I only understand Judaism as it's adjacent to Christianity.

One thing though, and I can't really call this a criticism necessarily, as a long time listener and fan of Dennis, is that the book comes off, to me, as missing the mark on original sin.

The book posits that Judaism has no need for, or understanding of 'Original Sin', because we are all born innocent and then we choose whether or not to sin. (p84) But, then when comparing Judaism to Marxism quotes Genesis re: "the predilection of a man's hearts evil from his youth." (p100) This sounds an awful lot like original sin. Maybe I misunderstand, but do we really choose evil from the beginning? Or, is it only that after bar/bat mitzvah that it matters?

I think this, in some ways, answers Paul's theology: namely that we all fall short of the glory of God. (Rom3:23). If Judaism has no need for original sin, then how does it reconcile that the "Bible appreciates that no human being can be perfectly fulfill all its laws at all times"? (p81) If we sin and then simply ask for forgiveness only to sin again, what have we accomplished? This is a frequent criticism of 'Sunday Christians'. There's surely more to it and any more depth on this is obviously outside the scope of the book.

I thought the inclusion of the intermarry chapter was odd and seemed unfocused unless your target audience is backslidden Jews; I've seen this argument in other reviews. I think the authors are more inclined to get anyone, Jews included, to be more clear on what they believe with respect to Judaism. I mean clearly the authors have an ideology here and a thesis to promote; this is apologetics for sure. But, for me, this is not question I would have nor is it a question that I would expect many to have.

The 'How do I Start...' is a great inclusion if for no other reason than the ability to look for other resources for further study. After this I will definitely look more deeply into Judaism's rich philosophical and theological history.

[Joel]

I'm not really the target audience for this book, but as I'm currently studying the Torah and I like Prager's writing a lot, I found this very rewarding to read. It goes a bit deeper than I thought and I actually learned quite a few things about Jewish law and... Jews. While Prager's Torah commentaries talk about Jews several millenia ago, this book talks about them now, and it's quite a different picture. Jews worldwide, but especially in the West, have gone from exile and persecution to a more rested, prosperous state, and the removed struggle as a people has made many of them forget who they are, which I think is a key point of this book's writing. Its goal is definitely to bring people closer to Judaism, explain why it's great and also why Jews should not forget about their religion, emphasizing the unique role they have played in the history of the world, as a people.

What was surprising was quite a jab against Christianity. I know that Prager, a few decades later, is still a believing Jew, but he is quite supportive of the Christian faith now. This is also stated in the book, so it must have been true there, but here we get criticism of Jews for Jesus and Christianity's theology in general. I found it quite enlightening to see what Jews have to say about Isaiah 53 (the "forbidden chapter", a term coined by... Christians? I do not know).

This is a good book to read if you're interested in Judaism, but I have to admit I don't have much to compare it to. I definitely think it's not outdated despite its age, aside from the last chapter with book recommendations, because obviously there is new content now.

[Duncan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The 3 stars are really for the 'How is Judaism different from Christianity?' chapter which really helped me to understand why Jews don't recognise Jesus as the Christ, but as others have stated in their reviews, the book is very dated with diatribes against Marxism etc. The book is probably too specific for a general audience - one of the 9 chapters is on inter-marriage, and another is on why young Jews are not as religious as their parents.

The surprise for me was how superior the authors were about their own faith, and how judgemental they were about other faiths e.g '...the sad spectacle of youths from affluent homes who are utterly lost and fall prey to paddlers of pseudo-spirituality (e.g. gurus, Krishna devotees, Jews for Jesus), or misguided idealism'. Showing their ignorance, the authors obviously didn't do their research to find that Krishna is one of the most revered deities in India, with significantly more devotees there than there are Jews in the world.

[Joseph Toth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book # ? for book club with Carl! It was written in the 80s, so some of the content seemed a bit outdated. Some aspects were insightful while some where so awful I had to make sure I wasn’t reacting poorly in public. With that being said, it definitely helped me beef up my arguments against some of their talking points!

[Zane Carey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book really helpful and compelling. In some parts I would say it completely disregards people having problems with jewish scripture and culture. Still i would say this is an excellent books for a few of the questions it asks. But keep in mind one of the authors founded PragerU.