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To Life!: A Celebration of Jewish Being and Thinking
A touching, intelligent, often humorous account by the author who reassured millions with his popular When Bad Things Happen to Good People, is a positive affirmation of what it means to be a Jew. (Religion & Inspiration).
304 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1993
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1584 people want to read
About the author
Harold S. Kushner
62 books405 followersHarold S. Kushner is rabbi laureate of Temple Israel in the Boston suburb of Natick, Massachusetts. A native of Brooklyn, New York, he is the author of more than a dozen books on coping with life’s challenges, including, most recently, the best-selling Conquering Fear and Overcoming Life’s Disappointments.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
December 1, 2012
This is a wonderful book that makes me appreciate our heritage. Kushner, a conservative rabbi, againn writes a book that is readily accepted by me, a question mark. A few things I liked:
1) One of the most important differences in Judaism and Christianity is that we were a people before we had a religion. To Christians the faith statement is most important; to Jews the community is what defines them.
2) The laws make the actions of every day life something special. For instance the act of eating is sanctified by obeying the "dietary laws."
3) The Jewish calendar is based on the moon instead of the sun so that all the holy days (and there are many) come at the same season of the year, but not the same date. (It's really screwy...)
4) Sabbath rest is not an obligation but seen as a rest FROM obligation, to leave the world alone and stop tinkering with it, and detaching from the unpleasant and the unfinished.
5) The high holy days begin with the Jewish New Year, Rosh HaShanah, accepting God as King, examining the way you lived during the year, and the hardest thing for me "The Day of Judgement." It is decided on Rosh HaShanah and confirmed on Yom Kippur who will live and who will die...poetically it's supposed to mean we don't control the world. At the end of Yom Kippur is the prayer Kol Nidre asking to be released from vows and promises not lived up to in the last year.
...Too much and too little space. But I especially like the flowing of wine, but little alcoholism, bt one day set aside by law for everyone to get drunk. I also like that their prayers are not for "things," they ask for the presence of God to be near and to make the transformations necessary to accept what is happening. That's just too Jewish!
1) One of the most important differences in Judaism and Christianity is that we were a people before we had a religion. To Christians the faith statement is most important; to Jews the community is what defines them.
2) The laws make the actions of every day life something special. For instance the act of eating is sanctified by obeying the "dietary laws."
3) The Jewish calendar is based on the moon instead of the sun so that all the holy days (and there are many) come at the same season of the year, but not the same date. (It's really screwy...)
4) Sabbath rest is not an obligation but seen as a rest FROM obligation, to leave the world alone and stop tinkering with it, and detaching from the unpleasant and the unfinished.
5) The high holy days begin with the Jewish New Year, Rosh HaShanah, accepting God as King, examining the way you lived during the year, and the hardest thing for me "The Day of Judgement." It is decided on Rosh HaShanah and confirmed on Yom Kippur who will live and who will die...poetically it's supposed to mean we don't control the world. At the end of Yom Kippur is the prayer Kol Nidre asking to be released from vows and promises not lived up to in the last year.
...Too much and too little space. But I especially like the flowing of wine, but little alcoholism, bt one day set aside by law for everyone to get drunk. I also like that their prayers are not for "things," they ask for the presence of God to be near and to make the transformations necessary to accept what is happening. That's just too Jewish!
August 24, 2017
it was sooooo good until some of those last few chapters..
December 25, 2008
Rabbi Kushner has succeeded in explaining with simple and clear words, what judaism means today, why udaism stil matters and what judaism means today, for jews and non jews.
I liked particularlly the last chapter, "Why you need to be a jew", when he writes;"judaism has the power to save your life. it can't keep you from dying, no religion can keep a person living forever...Bu judaism can save your life from being wasted, from being spent on the trivial."
I liked particularlly the last chapter, "Why you need to be a jew", when he writes;"judaism has the power to save your life. it can't keep you from dying, no religion can keep a person living forever...Bu judaism can save your life from being wasted, from being spent on the trivial."
January 22, 2019
I read this book because I'm Jewish, and my dad (raised observant, but agnostic throughout his adult life) gave it to me on the recommendation of a Jewish friend (who has renewed his commitment to the faith as a senior who has gone through some hard times). I usually don't read this kind of book, which I tend to lump with Tuesdays With Morrie, Chicken Soup for the Soul, How the Irish Saved Civilization-- gentle books written mainly to comfort people and educate mildly without making anyone uncomfortable.
To Life is indeed such a comfort book. As the subtitle says, it's a "celebration" of Jewish life. Not a probing examination of anything. Rabbi Kushner does his best to present the "basics" in a friendly, non-threatening and inviting manner. The most obvious target audience is Jews who don't know much about religion. However, Kushner is also targeting a wider audience of what he sees as a dominant Christian culture. Kushner portrays American Jewish life to the first group as something not so hard to join and to the second group as just another way of being an ordinary American, and a good one at that. What Kushner has to say about Judaism is rarely remarkable, but by the same token, rarely objectionable.
I think the key to getting something more out of this book is to recognize it as the work of a conservative American rabbi of the silent generation. Kushner is old enough that the Shoah and the founding of Israel are in his living memory but young enough to acknowledge some important struggles since then. His thinking about Judaism, as for my father's generation in general, is driven by the threat of anti-semitism. Also typical of the generation, his sociology is heavily influenced by that great modern Jewish theologian, Sigmund Freud. So the deeper goal of To Life! Is to resist anti-semitism both as an external threat and an inner mechanism of self-hatred. His explanation of both kinds of anti-semitism (and racism in general) is purely psychological. All hatred, according to Kushner, stems from low self-esteem. Kushner is uncomfortable talking about evil but willing to apply it to the usual suspects-- Hitler and Stalin.
That said, there are things in the book that surprised me. Kushner affirms that Jews are the chosen people, but explains that it's not because they're any better than anyone else; they were just chosen to get God's message first. Likewise, he presents Jewish rituals (from kosher rules to bris) as important not because they make any sense (he openly admits that kosher rules are arbitrary) but because it is valuable for human communities to live by rules. Only in the gentlest possible way does he suggest any unique advantages to any Jewish beliefs.
In some of its politics, both overt and implicit, the book lost me. Kushner's defense of the state of Israel is typical of his generation. The Shoah and anti-semitism in general are the answer to any complaint about Israel or its policies. Arabs are only the aggressors who violated Israeli sovereignty in the Six Days War. There is no mention of the subsequent Israeli occupations, or settlements or of Arab Palestinians in any way. There is no mention of the Mandate, or Balfour, or Ottoman Palestine. Kushner makes no mention of anything that happened in the region between the time of biblical Israel and 1948.
Similarly, Kushner celebrates Judaism as having the most advanced views about women, but mentions feminism only in passing, lumped together with gay rights, as a source of what he sees as unreasonable demands for scripture to say something different from what it says. He dismisses pagan religions as only viewing women as fertility objects whereas Judaism views (has always viewed??) women as full persons.
What can one expect? Rabbi Kushner is a conservative Jew born in 1935, who wrote the book in 1993. Whatever its shortcomings, I found it a useful window into American Jewish life from the perspective of my father's generation.
To Life is indeed such a comfort book. As the subtitle says, it's a "celebration" of Jewish life. Not a probing examination of anything. Rabbi Kushner does his best to present the "basics" in a friendly, non-threatening and inviting manner. The most obvious target audience is Jews who don't know much about religion. However, Kushner is also targeting a wider audience of what he sees as a dominant Christian culture. Kushner portrays American Jewish life to the first group as something not so hard to join and to the second group as just another way of being an ordinary American, and a good one at that. What Kushner has to say about Judaism is rarely remarkable, but by the same token, rarely objectionable.
I think the key to getting something more out of this book is to recognize it as the work of a conservative American rabbi of the silent generation. Kushner is old enough that the Shoah and the founding of Israel are in his living memory but young enough to acknowledge some important struggles since then. His thinking about Judaism, as for my father's generation in general, is driven by the threat of anti-semitism. Also typical of the generation, his sociology is heavily influenced by that great modern Jewish theologian, Sigmund Freud. So the deeper goal of To Life! Is to resist anti-semitism both as an external threat and an inner mechanism of self-hatred. His explanation of both kinds of anti-semitism (and racism in general) is purely psychological. All hatred, according to Kushner, stems from low self-esteem. Kushner is uncomfortable talking about evil but willing to apply it to the usual suspects-- Hitler and Stalin.
That said, there are things in the book that surprised me. Kushner affirms that Jews are the chosen people, but explains that it's not because they're any better than anyone else; they were just chosen to get God's message first. Likewise, he presents Jewish rituals (from kosher rules to bris) as important not because they make any sense (he openly admits that kosher rules are arbitrary) but because it is valuable for human communities to live by rules. Only in the gentlest possible way does he suggest any unique advantages to any Jewish beliefs.
In some of its politics, both overt and implicit, the book lost me. Kushner's defense of the state of Israel is typical of his generation. The Shoah and anti-semitism in general are the answer to any complaint about Israel or its policies. Arabs are only the aggressors who violated Israeli sovereignty in the Six Days War. There is no mention of the subsequent Israeli occupations, or settlements or of Arab Palestinians in any way. There is no mention of the Mandate, or Balfour, or Ottoman Palestine. Kushner makes no mention of anything that happened in the region between the time of biblical Israel and 1948.
Similarly, Kushner celebrates Judaism as having the most advanced views about women, but mentions feminism only in passing, lumped together with gay rights, as a source of what he sees as unreasonable demands for scripture to say something different from what it says. He dismisses pagan religions as only viewing women as fertility objects whereas Judaism views (has always viewed??) women as full persons.
What can one expect? Rabbi Kushner is a conservative Jew born in 1935, who wrote the book in 1993. Whatever its shortcomings, I found it a useful window into American Jewish life from the perspective of my father's generation.
March 25, 2009
My now-husband gave it to me when we were dating. He is Jewish and I am without religion. It was a great read, very easy, that made me understand Judaism. We still refer to it on every major holiday, including Shabbat every week.
June 23, 2008
I'll start with I'm not much for reading books that aren't novels, but this was a quick and easy read.
Many great insights it's hard to name them all. Deeper explanation of forgiveness - freeing the person from having to be the type of person that disappoints, etc. Sin is not against god, but is a missed opportunity to act human. Thoughts are not sins, we are judged by our deeds or else thinking about helping people (versus doing something) would be a great act. Freedom is the ability to control ourselves, responses and behaviors...so freedom doesn't come from anarchy, but from personal control. God does not interfere. The laws of nature apply to all living creatures whether they're good or bad. Prayer is not pleading, but is showing gratitude.
So much is in the subtle differences and perspective. I know I learned new ways of looking at the world...now if I could just remember them when it matters most!
Many great insights it's hard to name them all. Deeper explanation of forgiveness - freeing the person from having to be the type of person that disappoints, etc. Sin is not against god, but is a missed opportunity to act human. Thoughts are not sins, we are judged by our deeds or else thinking about helping people (versus doing something) would be a great act. Freedom is the ability to control ourselves, responses and behaviors...so freedom doesn't come from anarchy, but from personal control. God does not interfere. The laws of nature apply to all living creatures whether they're good or bad. Prayer is not pleading, but is showing gratitude.
So much is in the subtle differences and perspective. I know I learned new ways of looking at the world...now if I could just remember them when it matters most!
February 13, 2018
3-15
This chapter is actually a great chapter. I had a huge writeup about it but I guess my program decided it was going to eat it. Basically, this book is for everyone. It also stresses the concept of "Who is a Jew" into a more broader term. It has always been more than just a religion. It's a family.
17-48
Summary of many of the bible stories. I don't think this adds a lot to the book.
87-92
The calender. I like this calendar as it is much more like the calendar that I've been working with as a Wiccan. The lunar based system makes sense to me.
143-170
A reference to God as being able to be both male and female! "Functionally God is both male and female"! "people live on in our hearts, in the difference they made to the world, and in the mind of God"
Overall, I really like the book, it makes a lot of sense to me. I would love to have dinner with the man.
This chapter is actually a great chapter. I had a huge writeup about it but I guess my program decided it was going to eat it. Basically, this book is for everyone. It also stresses the concept of "Who is a Jew" into a more broader term. It has always been more than just a religion. It's a family.
17-48
Summary of many of the bible stories. I don't think this adds a lot to the book.
87-92
The calender. I like this calendar as it is much more like the calendar that I've been working with as a Wiccan. The lunar based system makes sense to me.
143-170
A reference to God as being able to be both male and female! "Functionally God is both male and female"! "people live on in our hearts, in the difference they made to the world, and in the mind of God"
Overall, I really like the book, it makes a lot of sense to me. I would love to have dinner with the man.
January 9, 2025
There are elements of this book that are now outdated (it was written in 1993), but I found it both approachable and edifying! A good way to start the new year.
March 24, 2016
Thus far, this is a very easy to understand book.
3-20-10
Finished the book today, and I'm impressed with Rabbi Kushner's ability to make the discussion of a very complex issue such as Judaism accessible and clear. It's also a treat to read something by someone who doesn't think that people who believe in God are suffering from some form of mental illness.
I learned a great deal about Judaism in this, especially how world view and community are so heavily influenced by the experience of being Jewish with all that means, both joyous and tragic. I do think he got a couple points on Christianity wrong (not all Christian prayer falls into the category of petition, though most portrayals of it in popular culture do fall into the Dennis the Menace and soap opera hospital scenes he discusses), but I never felt any sense of antagonism from him at all. I was particularly intrigued by the idea of God actually needing people, something rather foreign to my cultural experience, though it does make sense as he puts it. In all, I think this was a very well done book.
3-20-10
Finished the book today, and I'm impressed with Rabbi Kushner's ability to make the discussion of a very complex issue such as Judaism accessible and clear. It's also a treat to read something by someone who doesn't think that people who believe in God are suffering from some form of mental illness.
I learned a great deal about Judaism in this, especially how world view and community are so heavily influenced by the experience of being Jewish with all that means, both joyous and tragic. I do think he got a couple points on Christianity wrong (not all Christian prayer falls into the category of petition, though most portrayals of it in popular culture do fall into the Dennis the Menace and soap opera hospital scenes he discusses), but I never felt any sense of antagonism from him at all. I was particularly intrigued by the idea of God actually needing people, something rather foreign to my cultural experience, though it does make sense as he puts it. In all, I think this was a very well done book.
September 14, 2010
What a fabulous book. I think reading it while I was in Jerusalem had much to do with how much I enjoyed it, however, that being said I was looking for the answers this book had regardless of my location. It is a very "jewish" way of explaining Judaism. My recollection of services at temple were always the the sermon was full of questions and examples. There never seemed to be a RIGHT way to do things. It was the way. Your way, my way, their way....always just the way. Even as a child at Passover, listening to my great uncle tell stories was fun as a child and mind bending as an adult.
It is about being Jewish. Whether that is religious or secular, we are what we are.
I recommend this book to anyone questioning religion. I do not feel more religious, instead, I am able to enhance those events recent in my life in a spiritual way.
It is about being Jewish. Whether that is religious or secular, we are what we are.
I recommend this book to anyone questioning religion. I do not feel more religious, instead, I am able to enhance those events recent in my life in a spiritual way.
October 7, 2012
Books on religion have an inherent problem for me. I want to learn about the faith BUT I don't want to be preached to. A disclaimer - I am Jewish so I have some familiarity with this religion. I would say that very good majority of this book did an excellent job explaining the different reasons for and backgrounds of the many facets to Judaism. Whether one is of that faith or not, the information provided was interesting and the author wrote in an easy, very personal method that I enjoyed. When I came to the final chunk of pages, it seemed a little proselytizing for my taste, but I understand that if you're going to read about Judaism they are going to crow all its qualities. I think It's an enjoyable read for anyone interested in one of the major world religions.
June 23, 2012
This was a largely enjoyable read with an approachable and conversational style. In the sections of the book where my understanding of the topic was more or less in line with Kushner's, I found the passages to be quite touching. When Kushner fell into the standard ad hoc rabbinical rationalization around more complex issues is when he lost me. I agree with other reviewers who felt his sentimentality prevented any wrestling with the more concerning aspects of Israel, religious conflict, sexism, and so on. Overall, I think this is a solid primer for anyone interested in learning more about Judaism.
February 26, 2012
Harold Kushner was almost hired by a family member to become the head rabbi at his conservative synagogue but was deemed "too touchy-feely" for his congregation. However, he recommended this book as helpful to nascent Jews like myself for an introduction to modern Jewish beliefs. The book was sometimes torn between elitism towards Christianity and respect towards the spiritual practices of others. Some of the history of the religion was helpful, but lacked a reflexive and constructionist perspective that I find helpful when contemplating religion.
January 1, 2014
This is a well written and easily accessible work for anyone interested in fundamentals of Judaism. Not particularly theologically deep or challenging, but Kushner really gets at the core of what it means to live Jewishly. For that reason, I'd recommend this book for Christians who want to know more about (American Conservative) Judaism, for anyone interested in conversion, and truthfully for anyone who wants a basic overview.
March 18, 2019
Very helpful. Wasn't fond of the author's... let's say... shades of Republicanism, and I will say upfront that I skipped the chapter on Israel because that wasn't what I was here for, but the book as a whole was very informative and very clarifying.
September 13, 2015
Excellent book - great insights into Judaism for Jews and non-Jews alike!
November 20, 2021
Took forever to get through. Not sure why.
Good book for those who have no Jewish background to get “up to speed” quickly and for those who do have, it offers new perspectives on why we do certain things.
Wasn’t as good as I hoped it to be but I have many pages folded for reference.
Good book for those who have no Jewish background to get “up to speed” quickly and for those who do have, it offers new perspectives on why we do certain things.
Wasn’t as good as I hoped it to be but I have many pages folded for reference.
June 27, 2020
What a gift this book is!
January 18, 2026
recommended to me by a Rabbi and upon finishing it I now feel condensed by that.
low information density. surprisingly many references to the wisdom of his friend Dennis Prager.
low information density. surprisingly many references to the wisdom of his friend Dennis Prager.
April 19, 2019
If you've ever been curious about Judaism and wanted to read something comprehensive that is light enough to not get lost in the weeds, this is the book for you.
April 6, 2013
INTERESTING COMMENTS BY THE AUTHOR:
"God created many things He himself may never enjoy."
"We should add more holiness to every step of our life."
"Thank those that add comfort to our lives more (than noting complaints.)"
***"How does a person allow becoming a victim?"***and (I have been a victim all my life--weakness?)
***"How do people "make" us cry?"*** (I told my then husband, "Nothing makes us cry, unless we believe what they tell us")
who we are vs who we might become (how to deal with bullies?? might fix victim states, got a book on Martial Arts & it made me cry just opening it, then I took a 6 weeks Womans Self Defense Class. The training started to make me smile when I could do it - but it is an uncomfortable growing experience & a physically increasing muscle tone necessity. It surprised me that I did not walk out, quitting the 1st day of class, maybe they knew that, I was given individual attention. I started realizing that you could spot other "victim types" just looking around the room
know that people may reject us; but God will always want to be a part of anyones life
the philosophy of what is wisest, most beautiful, enjoyable is a "right" of all people :)
WHAT ARE WE SEARCHING FOR THAT WE ARE NOT CURRENTLY FINDING? :) (I am not so much searching as matching what I feel inside to a group of beliefs, however, I have wanted to join a Jewish community since I first saw "A Stranger Among Us" So maybe the searching is people of charactor: safety, trustworthy ones, those that won't lie, nor be sexually aggressive, no offers of drugs & alcohol, no more cussing being learned & unlearned, no violent environments - but definately deep faith, no more infidelity to deal with or pranks, no abduction of children (help having my children returned safely) etc. I just had trouble reciting Christian Creeds at age 8, adding thought to it (specifically "who was born of the virgin Mary, descended unto hell, rose on the 3rd day to sit at the right hand of God the Father, from thense He shall come to judge the quick and the dead") so the philosophy that something needs to be crucified (an animal sacrifice or a person), to save a soul is not my belief) As much as someone might want to do an act of "atonement for another person" does not make it justifiable (only kind) Justice is each person being responsible for their own sins or harm factors to others (ex someone going to jail for the actions of another person who is really guilty, is illogical to me)
WHAT DO WE WANT TO REFORM? (I just want a holy group of people to be with-an improved society, less harm)
WHAT IS MY JOB AS A WIFE, PARENT, MEMBER OF A TEMPLE ETC? speaking out when injustice is happening-stopping it mostly-but of course other responsibilities, Why should we leave a big mess the way it is?
ring standing for commitment was exchanged, it was "made by choice"
The loss of any life is as valuable as any other persons (same situation, same justice)
WHAT IS A GOOD JEW? one that has the proper attitude about laws
FAMOUS JEWS: Theodore Herzl-He was shunned by his own people? (wanted to make a Zion environment, right?
Dr. Chaim Weizmann-lobbied politicians to make a physical Jewish homeland
Moses Maimonides-philosopher
BRIS- circumcision is a "father's responsibility" interesting... (I expect moms to handle children
related issues)
CONVERSION
interviewed by 3 rabbis who may even discourage you, optional-immersion in a pool, new name that you pick, also when it is time for it-the community reciprocates it, a Rabbi listens for words like "we", protective mindsets and respect for beliefs
ALCOHOL DISCUSSION- interesting
Wine is a neutral item (not sinful) Anything God makes is o.k.? But it is like milk, in that it is only harmful to the excess usage (controllable) It is used during a holy event (self control is similar to fasting??)
Spinoza-Jewish shunning
Also interesting - a rabbi doesn't marry the couple; he witnesses the event
"God created many things He himself may never enjoy."
"We should add more holiness to every step of our life."
"Thank those that add comfort to our lives more (than noting complaints.)"
***"How does a person allow becoming a victim?"***and (I have been a victim all my life--weakness?)
***"How do people "make" us cry?"*** (I told my then husband, "Nothing makes us cry, unless we believe what they tell us")
who we are vs who we might become (how to deal with bullies?? might fix victim states, got a book on Martial Arts & it made me cry just opening it, then I took a 6 weeks Womans Self Defense Class. The training started to make me smile when I could do it - but it is an uncomfortable growing experience & a physically increasing muscle tone necessity. It surprised me that I did not walk out, quitting the 1st day of class, maybe they knew that, I was given individual attention. I started realizing that you could spot other "victim types" just looking around the room
know that people may reject us; but God will always want to be a part of anyones life
the philosophy of what is wisest, most beautiful, enjoyable is a "right" of all people :)
WHAT ARE WE SEARCHING FOR THAT WE ARE NOT CURRENTLY FINDING? :) (I am not so much searching as matching what I feel inside to a group of beliefs, however, I have wanted to join a Jewish community since I first saw "A Stranger Among Us" So maybe the searching is people of charactor: safety, trustworthy ones, those that won't lie, nor be sexually aggressive, no offers of drugs & alcohol, no more cussing being learned & unlearned, no violent environments - but definately deep faith, no more infidelity to deal with or pranks, no abduction of children (help having my children returned safely) etc. I just had trouble reciting Christian Creeds at age 8, adding thought to it (specifically "who was born of the virgin Mary, descended unto hell, rose on the 3rd day to sit at the right hand of God the Father, from thense He shall come to judge the quick and the dead") so the philosophy that something needs to be crucified (an animal sacrifice or a person), to save a soul is not my belief) As much as someone might want to do an act of "atonement for another person" does not make it justifiable (only kind) Justice is each person being responsible for their own sins or harm factors to others (ex someone going to jail for the actions of another person who is really guilty, is illogical to me)
WHAT DO WE WANT TO REFORM? (I just want a holy group of people to be with-an improved society, less harm)
WHAT IS MY JOB AS A WIFE, PARENT, MEMBER OF A TEMPLE ETC? speaking out when injustice is happening-stopping it mostly-but of course other responsibilities, Why should we leave a big mess the way it is?
ring standing for commitment was exchanged, it was "made by choice"
The loss of any life is as valuable as any other persons (same situation, same justice)
WHAT IS A GOOD JEW? one that has the proper attitude about laws
FAMOUS JEWS: Theodore Herzl-He was shunned by his own people? (wanted to make a Zion environment, right?
Dr. Chaim Weizmann-lobbied politicians to make a physical Jewish homeland
Moses Maimonides-philosopher
BRIS- circumcision is a "father's responsibility" interesting... (I expect moms to handle children
related issues)
CONVERSION
interviewed by 3 rabbis who may even discourage you, optional-immersion in a pool, new name that you pick, also when it is time for it-the community reciprocates it, a Rabbi listens for words like "we", protective mindsets and respect for beliefs
ALCOHOL DISCUSSION- interesting
Wine is a neutral item (not sinful) Anything God makes is o.k.? But it is like milk, in that it is only harmful to the excess usage (controllable) It is used during a holy event (self control is similar to fasting??)
Spinoza-Jewish shunning
Also interesting - a rabbi doesn't marry the couple; he witnesses the event
March 18, 2019
Great insight in Jewish traditions and culture!
May 24, 2013
For the most part, this is an easy, fun read. Kushner writes in a very conversational tone and is quick to point out (and repeatedly remind) that he cannot give definite answers on the nature of God or present Judaism as a monolithic faith in regards to ideology or practice. Unfortunately, he drifts out of his comfort zone several times to offer up ill considered philosophical and psychological posits (I write this because my schooling was in those two fields and find Kushner to be somewhat immature in his insights when he tries his hand at them). It is also clear he has a complete and total misunderstanding of Kant (lots of people do, largely stemming -- it would seem -- from a fear of actually reading the ponderous tomes Kant wrote), which served to kill my happiness for a short while.
The important point that Kushner is making in this book is that Judaism isn't a theological approach to religion and knowing God, but rather an ongoing experience that comes through tradition, community, and sanctifying the mundane aspects of life in order to bring God into one's life. I think that he does a good job of explaining it without giving a hard sell or condemnation of other religions.
The important point that Kushner is making in this book is that Judaism isn't a theological approach to religion and knowing God, but rather an ongoing experience that comes through tradition, community, and sanctifying the mundane aspects of life in order to bring God into one's life. I think that he does a good job of explaining it without giving a hard sell or condemnation of other religions.
August 12, 2018
I'm not really sure what I was expecting as "a celebration of Jewish being and thinking" but I don't think a basic overview of what Judaism is was it. I honestly think he was trying to cover too much at once -- he would devote a few pages to a particular topic, say one holiday or the laws of kashrut, get juuust far enough to pique my interest, but not go in deeper than a surface-level description. I would have liked this split up into several volumes so he had the room to go more in depth on what actually makes these topics interesting or valuable.
I do think he did a good job of stressing repeatedly that different Jews will have different kinds of practices, but I also wish he described some of those other practices that differ from his own Conservative standpoint. It would have been interesting to see him compare his own practices with Reform or Orthodox or even different kinds of Hasidic, but I did get the idea that he was mainly interested in promoting Conservative traditions.
I do think he did a good job of stressing repeatedly that different Jews will have different kinds of practices, but I also wish he described some of those other practices that differ from his own Conservative standpoint. It would have been interesting to see him compare his own practices with Reform or Orthodox or even different kinds of Hasidic, but I did get the idea that he was mainly interested in promoting Conservative traditions.
July 30, 2013
Rabbi Kushner writes like he's sitting down with you for a cozy conversation. While incredibly learned, he relates his learning from his studies and his personal career in an easy, sharing manner. Kushner touches on some major "technical" questions about major holidays and the role of synagogue and religious ceremonies. But he also delves wholeheartedly into why he feels Judaism is so powerful and can be so relevant for modern Jews, even the secular ones. And also tries to explain some things that can seem like oddities to non-Jews, like the American Jewish view on Israel. I highly recommend this book but I do caution that you have to remember that Kushner decided to write this book as an endorsement for Judaism, practicing Judaism, and embracing Jewishness. There were a few statements that I think might be mildly offensive to those of other religions. But I also am quite certain Kushner did not intend to offend and if he did, he would certainly wish to talk to you about it.
February 25, 2021
3.5 stars rounded up. Rabbi Kushner wrote a bestseller back in the day wrestling with why do bad things happen to good people. I was surprised to find out he was a part of Conservative Judaism, not Orthodox (I have not read the bestseller). This is a nicely done basic introduction to Judaism. I am Jewish but not religious, and I did not find his arguments convincing about God. I did decide after reading this that I probably cannot honestly recite the Amidah any more, an experience I enjoyed but did not truly know what it meant. Darn. The book was given to a friend so I grabbed it to read after she finished it.
This book is likely useful for those seeking a religion that appeals to them or to those born Jewish who really knew little or nothing about Judaism. I’m not in either group so did not get much out of this. It’s well written, but not my cup of tea. Recommended for seekers of faith or ignorant of Judaism.
This book is likely useful for those seeking a religion that appeals to them or to those born Jewish who really knew little or nothing about Judaism. I’m not in either group so did not get much out of this. It’s well written, but not my cup of tea. Recommended for seekers of faith or ignorant of Judaism.
April 22, 2014
Kushner's introduction to Judaism was helpful to me as an individual beginning the conversion process because it helped me see the big picture of Judaism. Learning about Judaism as a beginner can be overwhelming, as there is so much to learn. Kushner captured the essentials of Jewish thought and life, while encouraging the reader to do or read more. My one qualm with the book was the author's tendency to preach monotheism in bits and pieces. It feels a little bit like Kushner thinks Christianity and Judaism and their followers are more ethical than other religions, while completely ignoring the monotheism of Islam and other religions and the ethical tenets within non-theistic and polytheistic schools of thought. Excluding these passing comments on Christianity and Judaism being lights to the world (which make me uncomfortable and aren't well-supported), this would be a five-star read.
December 28, 2018
The local rabbi recommended this book as a good intro to Judaism. That's what it was written as, and it works well as such.
One of the intended audiences is Christians who want to know more about Judaism (the other major audience is adult Jews who are seeking a re-introduction to their faith); as part of that audience, this answered a lot of questions I have about both religions (and, naturally, raised more). So, for me, it was a good choice and I'm glad I read it.
(Possibly relevant: my hometown does have a synagogue, but the current rabbi's specialty is rural congregations, and I live in the US Bible Belt. I learn more about Judaism in a year on Twitter, etc. than I did in my 30 pre-twitter years combined.)
One of the intended audiences is Christians who want to know more about Judaism (the other major audience is adult Jews who are seeking a re-introduction to their faith); as part of that audience, this answered a lot of questions I have about both religions (and, naturally, raised more). So, for me, it was a good choice and I'm glad I read it.
(Possibly relevant: my hometown does have a synagogue, but the current rabbi's specialty is rural congregations, and I live in the US Bible Belt. I learn more about Judaism in a year on Twitter, etc. than I did in my 30 pre-twitter years combined.)
January 21, 2009
This is a great book. It's conversational style makes it an easy read, but don't be fooled -- it's chock full of information! I have read this book several times and it always inspires me to live a better life. I love the idea of making the everyday sacred through my actions; Rabbi Kushner talks about that over and over in this book.
Like another reviewer (Guy?),I love the last chapter on why you need to be Jewish. The rabbi writes that "the essence of Judaism is creating holiness in the way we relate to this world and the people in it."
I'm not Jewish but this book always makes me wish I was!
Like another reviewer (Guy?),I love the last chapter on why you need to be Jewish. The rabbi writes that "the essence of Judaism is creating holiness in the way we relate to this world and the people in it."
I'm not Jewish but this book always makes me wish I was!
January 15, 2009
I ended up liking it more than I expected. It was sort of evangelizing---an explanation of why you should be a Jew. It certainly was a highly personal view of what all things Judaic mean. How resting on the Sabbath isn’t restrictive, it's freeing because you don't have to worry about your everyday worries. How kosher rules allow you to enjoy food, but still be reminded that killing an animal for your own food is a serious thing. How Jews are different because the religion is based more on community than belief. Very conversational in tone. Not sure I learned all that much, but it was a refreshingly different perspective.
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