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What is a Jew?
With over 400,000 copies sold, What Is a Jew? is the classic guide that answers 100 of the most commonly asked questions about Jewish life and customs.
Completely revised and reorganized, this guide to the traditions, beliefs, and practices of Judaism; for both Jews and non-Jews. This book tackles a wide range of subjects in a question-and-answer format. Ideal for conversion students, interfaith couples, and congregants seeking answers to essential day-to-day issues.
Completely revised and reorganized, this guide to the traditions, beliefs, and practices of Judaism; for both Jews and non-Jews. This book tackles a wide range of subjects in a question-and-answer format. Ideal for conversion students, interfaith couples, and congregants seeking answers to essential day-to-day issues.
336 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1973
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264 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
July 27, 2008
This was assigned by my Rabbi to help me identify subjects that I want to study more in depth. Absolutely the best Jewish "primer" I've read as far as clarifying the differences between the four Jewish movements.
Out of all the Jewish overviews I've read, this one focuses the least on history, which was appreciated - after reading countless century-by-century accounts of the development of the religion and culture, I really felt like I was missing out on some of the fundamental spiritual aspects.
Out of all the Jewish overviews I've read, this one focuses the least on history, which was appreciated - after reading countless century-by-century accounts of the development of the religion and culture, I really felt like I was missing out on some of the fundamental spiritual aspects.
February 11, 2008
If you are thinking of converting to Judaism, this is one of the books to read.
August 7, 2013
I don't actually have that much to say about this book, mainly because it's an introductory text of the sort that used to exist before Wikipedia destroyed introductory texts for all time.
Okay, that's oversimplified, and What Is a Jew does have a lot of value that just going to the Judaism wiki article and reading and clicking through links until you feel you're done does not. For one thing, it's basically impossible to determine who the author of any given wiki article is, whereas this book is written by an identifiable individual. Well, sort of--Rabbi Kertzer is on the cover, but he wrote the first edition published in the 50s, and it's been revised since then. The introduction mentions this, and that about half of the book is original and half has been rewritten, but not which half.
That's actually one of the complaints I had about the book. It would have been nice to know what parts were original and what parts were modified, because I'm curious about the probable differences in how certain questions in the book would have been written. What would the questions about Israel have been like back in the early 50s when the memory of the Holocaust was still searingly fresh? Were the questions about homosexuality and abortion part of the first edition, and if so, were the answers different than they are in the current one?
On the other hand, What Is a Jew has the benefit of consistency because the answers all come from the same viewpoint, which has Reform leanings but does a good job of pointing out where Conservative or Orthodox Judaism would differ.
It's a good book for people who have little or no familiarity with Judaism at all, but it is a very basic introductory text. It's possible that you'll find a question you didn't realize you wanted to know inside, but if you're already familiar with the basic tenets or stuff like why Jews don't celebrate Christmas, you should probably look for a more in-depth treatment of the topic.
Okay, that's oversimplified, and What Is a Jew does have a lot of value that just going to the Judaism wiki article and reading and clicking through links until you feel you're done does not. For one thing, it's basically impossible to determine who the author of any given wiki article is, whereas this book is written by an identifiable individual. Well, sort of--Rabbi Kertzer is on the cover, but he wrote the first edition published in the 50s, and it's been revised since then. The introduction mentions this, and that about half of the book is original and half has been rewritten, but not which half.
That's actually one of the complaints I had about the book. It would have been nice to know what parts were original and what parts were modified, because I'm curious about the probable differences in how certain questions in the book would have been written. What would the questions about Israel have been like back in the early 50s when the memory of the Holocaust was still searingly fresh? Were the questions about homosexuality and abortion part of the first edition, and if so, were the answers different than they are in the current one?
On the other hand, What Is a Jew has the benefit of consistency because the answers all come from the same viewpoint, which has Reform leanings but does a good job of pointing out where Conservative or Orthodox Judaism would differ.
It's a good book for people who have little or no familiarity with Judaism at all, but it is a very basic introductory text. It's possible that you'll find a question you didn't realize you wanted to know inside, but if you're already familiar with the basic tenets or stuff like why Jews don't celebrate Christmas, you should probably look for a more in-depth treatment of the topic.
July 1, 2016
As a new employee at a Jewish day school this book felt like required reading - it was extremely helpful in breaking down terms, beliefs, and cultural practices of those who follow the Jewish faith. Some sections are likely a little dated given the publication date, but I still highly recommend this book to those who are curious about yet unfamiliar with Judaism.
January 6, 2013
Very interesting for learning about different aspects of the jewish religion and culture.
January 28, 2025
Informative and easy read.
December 12, 2024
A wonderful book to give one a concise and thorough overview of Judaism. It answers many questions that one may have. My rabbi gave this book to me to read for conversion. This is a wonderful easy read to introduce someone to Judaism and to begin the Jewish journey.
November 15, 2016
A very thorough introduction to Judaism, which answers a plethora of questions a Jew, a Christian or an atheist might have about the Jewish religion, identity and people. It's easy and fun to read, yet it offers in-depth answers to even the silliest questions. It's everything you've been afraid to ask and more.
But what's even more important, perhaps, is that the book appears to be non-denominational, in that it doesn't favour the Orthodox point-of-view over the more Liberal one, or vice-versa. The book offers Orthodox, Chasidic, Conservative, Reform and Reconstructionist explanations. Too often, neophytes like me are given the Orthodox or even Ultra-Orthodox take on Judaism, as if that honestly reflected the viewpoints of the Jewish community at large (which it doesn't). Reform is the largest Jewish movement in America, so it's nice to find a decent book that not only acknowledges its existence, but also posits the Reform movement as a valid take on Judaism.
One of the shortcomings of this book is that, although it makes no attempt at proselytism (Jews aren't known for their missionary zeal), it does tend to adopt a self-congratulatory tone from time to time. Moreover, the book goes into great lengths not to alienate the prospective interfaith couple that might wish to have a Jewish wedding. This is reflected in the subtle yet carefully chosen connoted language used to answer some potentially controversial questions. The book consistently falls short from taking position on anything, or to offer thought-provoking discussion on tough subjects.
But, eh, is it all that surprising coming from an introductory book? I don't think so, and I'll gladly forgive the book's few flaws. It's still one of the most complete yet easily accessible resources I've read as a total newbie.
But what's even more important, perhaps, is that the book appears to be non-denominational, in that it doesn't favour the Orthodox point-of-view over the more Liberal one, or vice-versa. The book offers Orthodox, Chasidic, Conservative, Reform and Reconstructionist explanations. Too often, neophytes like me are given the Orthodox or even Ultra-Orthodox take on Judaism, as if that honestly reflected the viewpoints of the Jewish community at large (which it doesn't). Reform is the largest Jewish movement in America, so it's nice to find a decent book that not only acknowledges its existence, but also posits the Reform movement as a valid take on Judaism.
One of the shortcomings of this book is that, although it makes no attempt at proselytism (Jews aren't known for their missionary zeal), it does tend to adopt a self-congratulatory tone from time to time. Moreover, the book goes into great lengths not to alienate the prospective interfaith couple that might wish to have a Jewish wedding. This is reflected in the subtle yet carefully chosen connoted language used to answer some potentially controversial questions. The book consistently falls short from taking position on anything, or to offer thought-provoking discussion on tough subjects.
But, eh, is it all that surprising coming from an introductory book? I don't think so, and I'll gladly forgive the book's few flaws. It's still one of the most complete yet easily accessible resources I've read as a total newbie.
February 17, 2012
Lobstergirl found this book for me, and she did it FAST! (I have no idea how she found the book so fast. She has some fantastic searching skills.) Here's the link to the thread that found this book
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/8...
I read this book when I lived in Kansas. I think someone donated it to a book drive for the county jail, but maybe I dumpstered it. I don't think I paid for it.
In any case, I read it and felt like I learned quite a bit from it. The answers were factual and not preachy. The author did not try to convince the readers that Jews were right about what they believed; he just reported the beliefs. He also did a good job of making sure the reader knew that different Jews believe different things.
The one thing I remember finally understanding is why many Jews believe Israel is their homeland. This book explains that many Jews believe that God gave them Israel. If folks think God has given them something, they aren't likely to give it up. That doesn't bode well for peace in the Middle East.
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/8...
I read this book when I lived in Kansas. I think someone donated it to a book drive for the county jail, but maybe I dumpstered it. I don't think I paid for it.
In any case, I read it and felt like I learned quite a bit from it. The answers were factual and not preachy. The author did not try to convince the readers that Jews were right about what they believed; he just reported the beliefs. He also did a good job of making sure the reader knew that different Jews believe different things.
The one thing I remember finally understanding is why many Jews believe Israel is their homeland. This book explains that many Jews believe that God gave them Israel. If folks think God has given them something, they aren't likely to give it up. That doesn't bode well for peace in the Middle East.
July 19, 2008
This is the cornerstone of an odd library of books on judaica that were surreptiously slipped to me by my gramma. She was always sneaking me judaica to read, I have a nice collection of various torah stories in children's book form, as well as books on observances and such, and even a set of bookends of a boy reading torah that she said were uncle rick's to put them in. As far as I know I was the sole benificiary of this quirk of hers, and I kept her secret till now...though I must admit I never really understood why she was secretive about it. I still don't. This one while I say it is the cornerstone, is only such because it was the last one she gave me, a year before she passed, she slipped it to me on our birthday.
November 19, 2009
Just finished reading this for my philosophy class- and quite enjoyed it. If you know nothing about the Jewish faith, it is a good start to gain a basic understanding. The author has revised the book, from the original author's version (I believe his uncle), adapting it to modern times. It answers common religious as well as social questions about the faith, and would give you enough info to be able to intelligibly converse about Judaism, but nothing in depth. My only complaint is that the book's explanation about "Kabbalah" was too vague. I ended up making a trip to the library for my own readings.
January 30, 2009
Went through a phase quite a few years back where I was dating a lot of jewish men (not necessarily at the same time) who couldn't quite seem to define their religion for me so I bought the book to figure it out for myself. Very informative introduction to Jewish life and religion.
February 21, 2008
This will answer any question you might have about Jews.
July 13, 2013
A list of 100+ questions articulately answered by Rabbi Kertzer. "What is the Talmud? What is the Midrash?" Now he just needs to get on Quora.
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September 23, 2010What is a Jew? by Morris N. Kertzer (1996)
October 19, 2011
Lent to me by my dear friend Eleanor :)
5 stars, not in an "I couldn't put it down" sort of way, but in a "very informative" sort of way.
5 stars, not in an "I couldn't put it down" sort of way, but in a "very informative" sort of way.
January 8, 2014
I read this for a course in university. I enjoyed it quite thoroughly.
October 17, 2016
Wonderful book of questions and answers about Jews! Clear. Not too complicated for this complex subject. Also can be a pick up and read anywhere in the book type of read.
March 9, 2018
Very informative information on Judaism. Written in simple descriptive language.
October 3, 2018
Hard to read as an eBook, but good info.
November 3, 2023
What is a Jew is a very good book. This book details the difference between ethnically jewish and religiously jewish. There are many different sub-points of what goes into Judaism. Up front there are different sects of Judaism: Conservative, Orthodox, and Reform. These all believe something different, Conservative's believe and follow the traditions of the TaNaKh like a marriage of one man and one woman. Orthodox follows the traditions very strictly. Reform Jews mold the Bible to the culture, things that apply nowadays, in short Reform beliefs follow the culture. This book also talks about the customs of the jewish faith or lifestyle. This book was very informative, through reading this, I have learned a lot. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about Judaism.
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October 27, 2024It's great for a general audience (as it's intended to) but personally I felt like I wished the author went deeper here and there. It's curious how the word moslem is used throughout the book instead of... well, any other term available.
The person writing the prologue and proposed that there aren't anymore people in the world who are unaware that Jews existed at all should have a word with my Central Asian roommate from my first year at uni.
The person writing the prologue and proposed that there aren't anymore people in the world who are unaware that Jews existed at all should have a word with my Central Asian roommate from my first year at uni.
October 28, 2021
I found Rabbi Kietzer's book "What Is A Jew", to be well written and very informative. Even if one knows little about the Jewish religion, the author's book will make the reader more knowledgeable Although, the holidays are discussed, there is an emphasis on spirituality and the moral code. Doing good deeds or Mitzvahs play a large part in Judaism. In conclusion, this is a book worth reading.
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February 21, 2020I took a course in Judaism and this book was very helpful. It was recommended by the Rabbi teaching the class.
May 24, 2020
A little dated but still useful
May 28, 2020
Accessible but dated. Originally published about 70 years ago, it's been updated several times and most recently by his son, but even the ebook version felt about 20-30 years outdated.
March 21, 2022
I enjoyed learning more about Judaism and found this book has some good info.
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July 6, 2023A readable overview of the basic beliefs, traditions, and practices of Judaism.
January 20, 2025
A great introductory summary of the variety of jewish beliefs and practices, without getting bogged down by attempts to cover every detail.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews