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Why Be Jewish?: A Testament
Edgar M. Bronfman's clarion call to a generation of secular, disaffected, and unaffiliated Jews, this book addresses the most critical question confronting Judaism worldwide.
Completed in December 2013, just weeks before he passed away, Why Be Jewish? expresses Edgar Bronfman's awe, respect, and deep love for his faith and heritage. Bronfman walks readers through the major tenets and ideas in Jewish life, fleshing out their meaning and offering proof texts from the Jewish tradition gleaned over his many years of study with some of the greatest teachers in the Jewish world.
With honesty, poignancy, and passion, Bronfman shares in Why Be Jewish? insights gleaned from his own personal journey and makes a compelling case for the meaning and transcendence of a secular Judaism that is still steeped in deep moral values, authentic Jewish texts, and a focus on deed over creed or dogma.
Completed in December 2013, just weeks before he passed away, Why Be Jewish? expresses Edgar Bronfman's awe, respect, and deep love for his faith and heritage. Bronfman walks readers through the major tenets and ideas in Jewish life, fleshing out their meaning and offering proof texts from the Jewish tradition gleaned over his many years of study with some of the greatest teachers in the Jewish world.
With honesty, poignancy, and passion, Bronfman shares in Why Be Jewish? insights gleaned from his own personal journey and makes a compelling case for the meaning and transcendence of a secular Judaism that is still steeped in deep moral values, authentic Jewish texts, and a focus on deed over creed or dogma.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published March 22, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
April 3, 2022
Edgar Bronfman was raised as a Jew, and yet was not fully convinced about God. He became much more involved with Judaism as he grew older, and this book covers what he feels are the important aspects of being Jewish. It is done by reference to many traditional concepts in Jewish theology. For me anyway, it stimulated my thinking about being good to others, making amends, becoming a better person, etc.
April 6, 2016
Attaching personal account have the author came back to Judaism when he was 60. This is a nice way for secular Jews to see the deep meaning in Judaism beyond the religious aspect.
September 10, 2016
I certainly mean no disrespect to any of my Jewish friends and acquaintances, but after reading this book, I well want to ask, "Why Be Jewish?" The author blatantly confesses his secularism, denying any belief in God or the supernatural, and then wants to encourage the reader to consider a rich tapestry of culture and tradition that was founded upon an encounter with God! For example, in explaining the Passover celebration, he allows that the celebration originated with "theistic associations" but is now open to secular interpretation.
The defining moment of the Jewish people's history is open to secular interpretation? Along with every single other aspect of Jewish life? Despite its origin in sacred Scripture, which itself claims to be the very word of God...?
But Bronfman was not an anomaly. There are many secular Jews, and this makes sense to them. However, Bronfman explicitly seeks to rescue Judaism for those who want to abandon it altogether it, while reducing it FROM those who try to practice it within a theistic framework. And I am intrigued.
As an outsider, I cannot pretend to understand the secular Jewish mindset, but if a secularist can reject sacred Scripture and interpret it according to his own lights, I ask, Why bother to begin with sacred Scripture? In other words, with so many cultures filled with a rich traditional history around the world, why this one? Though he aims to show the special character of the Jewish culture, that is the question the author inevitably raises and fails to answer.
The defining moment of the Jewish people's history is open to secular interpretation? Along with every single other aspect of Jewish life? Despite its origin in sacred Scripture, which itself claims to be the very word of God...?
But Bronfman was not an anomaly. There are many secular Jews, and this makes sense to them. However, Bronfman explicitly seeks to rescue Judaism for those who want to abandon it altogether it, while reducing it FROM those who try to practice it within a theistic framework. And I am intrigued.
As an outsider, I cannot pretend to understand the secular Jewish mindset, but if a secularist can reject sacred Scripture and interpret it according to his own lights, I ask, Why bother to begin with sacred Scripture? In other words, with so many cultures filled with a rich traditional history around the world, why this one? Though he aims to show the special character of the Jewish culture, that is the question the author inevitably raises and fails to answer.
February 25, 2024
This book by Bronfman gives a totally new perspective on Judaism and its raison d'être. Bronfman brings up the idea of being devoutly Jewish without believing in an active and participant God. This reframes many aspects of the tradition, such a prayer and study of texts. Bronfman lists criteria of living Jewishly that are net positive for the world, and he sees Judaism as a way towards making the world a better place. Its interesting for me as a conversion student to hear about converts who don't believe in God. Great book with excellent tips.
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April 6, 2016Review by Jonathan Fass for the Jewish Book Council.
December 12, 2018
I wish I had had more time with this book, wow. It validated pretty much every feeling I have about being a secular or agnostic Jew. It also gave me some really good ideas about how to approach Judaism without directly focusing on God. And it gave me some insight into what it really means to be Jewish, and made me desperately want to read more (although I'm still not entirely ready to tackle the Old Testament/Torah just yet).
January 10, 2018
This was an enjoyable meander through an older man's reflection about the importance of Jewish people embracing Jewish practice, thought, and the practice of questioning Jewish thought, regardless of faith, mostly because it's a good and right thing to do. He starts with the premise that our ancestors found these simple actions and rituals and words worth repeating over thousands of years that included both oppression and opportunities for assimilation, so there is probably something of value to us in them, and of value to the world for their continuity. Bronfman gently tries to illuminate some of these values, including ethics, family, and the importance of a tight knit community looking out for one another, a community that is layered over broader care for social justice, refugees, and the environment. His is a secular, progressive until Palestine approach.
It's exactly that ethno-nationalist willful blindness that turned me off Judaism (and my Jewish family) entirely fifteen years ago, and which makes tenuous these otherwise compelling desires to find a smaller caring community within the larger one, a community that includes caring elders and caring for elder people from whom I am so otherwise segregated, a space where I can offer up the cruel questions of atrocity reverberating across my life from my work as a humanitarian aid worker to a larger body of questioners and mourners who are capable of holding them. I went to a Sabbath service for the first time since I was 19 somewhere halfway through this book. That had been the plan all along, and was why I checked it out of the library. But certainly Bronfman's light, encouraging touch made it easy to slip into a synagogue after many defensive, angry years.
What I like about Judaism, and which Bronfman confirms though doesn't say in these words, is that you do not need to choose it. God chose his chosen people so we're free to lash out, fight back, question, ignore, protest, leave, and push. The rituals are practices: what's in your heart is important because good in your heart feels good-- to you and other people-- but you can still perform a blessing with your skeptic, out-of-practice hands. I can dip back into this religious practice and be welcome, even if I do not welcome many of its central tenets (patriarchal ethno-supremacy). It is a waiting comfort.
It's exactly that ethno-nationalist willful blindness that turned me off Judaism (and my Jewish family) entirely fifteen years ago, and which makes tenuous these otherwise compelling desires to find a smaller caring community within the larger one, a community that includes caring elders and caring for elder people from whom I am so otherwise segregated, a space where I can offer up the cruel questions of atrocity reverberating across my life from my work as a humanitarian aid worker to a larger body of questioners and mourners who are capable of holding them. I went to a Sabbath service for the first time since I was 19 somewhere halfway through this book. That had been the plan all along, and was why I checked it out of the library. But certainly Bronfman's light, encouraging touch made it easy to slip into a synagogue after many defensive, angry years.
What I like about Judaism, and which Bronfman confirms though doesn't say in these words, is that you do not need to choose it. God chose his chosen people so we're free to lash out, fight back, question, ignore, protest, leave, and push. The rituals are practices: what's in your heart is important because good in your heart feels good-- to you and other people-- but you can still perform a blessing with your skeptic, out-of-practice hands. I can dip back into this religious practice and be welcome, even if I do not welcome many of its central tenets (patriarchal ethno-supremacy). It is a waiting comfort.
February 13, 2017
Bronfman, just before his passing, brings his lifelong questions and studies to the table in this book. When I first agreed to review this work, I had expected an argument for the Jewish faith. When I opened the ARC to read the material, I was surprised to find that, in this book, Bronfman does not argue for the Jewish faith, but rather for the Jewish life. In his opinion, Judaism can be lived in a secular fashion, incorporating the value system and questioning that pilpul and drash foster. Through his work, the reader is led to see the value of the Jewish history and lifestyle, even apart from ethical monotheism.
While he asserts that a Jewish lifestyle is possible without belief, I disagree with his notion on two fronts. First, the Jewish lifestyle is a result of the Jewish faith. HaShem instructs us on mitzvot, not as a means to bless Him or move Him to action, but as a means of changing our own humanity to be more like Him. Additionally, the Jewish culture that exists today would not have been possible if not for HaShem’s protective hand over the Jewish people. Avram believed and became Avraham; via Avraham all Jews can identify their own familial lineage and history.
Being Jewish is not just about secularism with Jewish thought and practice - being Jewish requires not just action, but faith as well, living the 13 principles of the faith. Bronfman has an excellent grasp on most of what it means to be Jewish, but in his pursuit of the secular, he misses the point altogether.
Disclosure: I have received a reviewer copy and/or payment in exchange for an honest review of the product mentioned in this post.
While he asserts that a Jewish lifestyle is possible without belief, I disagree with his notion on two fronts. First, the Jewish lifestyle is a result of the Jewish faith. HaShem instructs us on mitzvot, not as a means to bless Him or move Him to action, but as a means of changing our own humanity to be more like Him. Additionally, the Jewish culture that exists today would not have been possible if not for HaShem’s protective hand over the Jewish people. Avram believed and became Avraham; via Avraham all Jews can identify their own familial lineage and history.
Being Jewish is not just about secularism with Jewish thought and practice - being Jewish requires not just action, but faith as well, living the 13 principles of the faith. Bronfman has an excellent grasp on most of what it means to be Jewish, but in his pursuit of the secular, he misses the point altogether.
Disclosure: I have received a reviewer copy and/or payment in exchange for an honest review of the product mentioned in this post.
October 21, 2020
***Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review***
This book started off solid and appealed to me as a BIPOC secular Jew. I look for ways to incorporate Judaism into my life, but it's hard to separate the cultural values from the religious beliefs. Plus, people that look like me aren't often welcomed into the fold, or at the very least are questioned. It's a wonder I care at all, but for whatever reason I do, and so Bronfman's secular approach was very appealing. In the beginning, I found myself really loving what he had to say and wanting for there to be an intellectual and enriching discussion around the very topics he brought up. And yet, as I read further, the tone started to grate on me a little bit as he started to sound more and more desperate to get people to embrace their Judaism. It must have been great for him to have the time and means to dedicate himself to study and to involve his children, but he and his family are also extremely wealthy, so there is that level of privilege that allowed him to pursue this to the extent that he did. The latter part of the book lost me as he delved into retelling parts of Jewish texts. If I wanted to read them, I would. I'm not sure why I needed his particular take or interpretation, except that he had access to scholars and the likes that I never would. Ultimately, I think this book shines when it's focused around Bronfman's personal journey as he explores various degrees of participation within his Jewishness. It falls flat when he tries to teach because each person's journey is going to come about in its own way. He led the horse to water, but it's up to the horse to drink. Or not.
This book started off solid and appealed to me as a BIPOC secular Jew. I look for ways to incorporate Judaism into my life, but it's hard to separate the cultural values from the religious beliefs. Plus, people that look like me aren't often welcomed into the fold, or at the very least are questioned. It's a wonder I care at all, but for whatever reason I do, and so Bronfman's secular approach was very appealing. In the beginning, I found myself really loving what he had to say and wanting for there to be an intellectual and enriching discussion around the very topics he brought up. And yet, as I read further, the tone started to grate on me a little bit as he started to sound more and more desperate to get people to embrace their Judaism. It must have been great for him to have the time and means to dedicate himself to study and to involve his children, but he and his family are also extremely wealthy, so there is that level of privilege that allowed him to pursue this to the extent that he did. The latter part of the book lost me as he delved into retelling parts of Jewish texts. If I wanted to read them, I would. I'm not sure why I needed his particular take or interpretation, except that he had access to scholars and the likes that I never would. Ultimately, I think this book shines when it's focused around Bronfman's personal journey as he explores various degrees of participation within his Jewishness. It falls flat when he tries to teach because each person's journey is going to come about in its own way. He led the horse to water, but it's up to the horse to drink. Or not.
July 24, 2022
The Bronfman name carries a lot of weight in the Jewish world. Scions of the Seagram’s brand, that’s lots of ginger ale sloshing around for a number of decades.
Shortly before his death in 2013, patriarch Edgar M. Bronfman finished WHY BE JEWISH?, essentially a letter to young people defending the value of a connection to the Jewish world.
For a guy who lived an elite life, Bronfman is remarkably relatable in explaining how strict religious observance can—and sometimes should—be subordinate to cultural values in the development of a Jewish identity.
“In sum, Judaism is not concerned with saving souls for heaven, but with saving lives on earth,” he writes. “The history of Judaism is that secular science and sacred values are allies.”
Bronfman offers an inspiring take on how Judaism’s core principles offer a roadmap to a decent modern life. The power of these principles underpins a vibrant connection between millions of Jews, who live different lives yet feel a strong association with one another.
Rather than being exclusionary, that shared sense of identity is evidence of Judaism’s unifying power in a fractured era.
“Judaism does not demand belief. Instead, it asks us to practice intense behaviors whose purpose is to perfect ourselves and the world.”
Any generation can get on board with that. Bronfman urges us to remember that for some, the Jewish community is an excellent foundation for pursuing this imperative.
Shortly before his death in 2013, patriarch Edgar M. Bronfman finished WHY BE JEWISH?, essentially a letter to young people defending the value of a connection to the Jewish world.
For a guy who lived an elite life, Bronfman is remarkably relatable in explaining how strict religious observance can—and sometimes should—be subordinate to cultural values in the development of a Jewish identity.
“In sum, Judaism is not concerned with saving souls for heaven, but with saving lives on earth,” he writes. “The history of Judaism is that secular science and sacred values are allies.”
Bronfman offers an inspiring take on how Judaism’s core principles offer a roadmap to a decent modern life. The power of these principles underpins a vibrant connection between millions of Jews, who live different lives yet feel a strong association with one another.
Rather than being exclusionary, that shared sense of identity is evidence of Judaism’s unifying power in a fractured era.
“Judaism does not demand belief. Instead, it asks us to practice intense behaviors whose purpose is to perfect ourselves and the world.”
Any generation can get on board with that. Bronfman urges us to remember that for some, the Jewish community is an excellent foundation for pursuing this imperative.
August 18, 2016
I got a lot of great insights from this book and it has definitely expanded my curiosity into Judaism. I'd been raised with some exposure to Judaism, which ultimately fizzled down to basic observance of key holidays in my adulthood. Recent curiosities about God, however, prompted me to pick up this book.
I enjoyed the emphasis on the positive values the author has found to be promoted throughout Judaism - particularly the ideas of questioning and inclusion. I also got a lot out of the chapter on the story of Moses as a lesson in leadership - having read a number of management books over the years, I've actually never seen this connection before and it is a great one.
Ultimately, for me, I didn't really connect with the idea of being Jewish while also being an atheist. I am not an atheist and am curious to get to know the Jewish understanding of God, but this did expand my curiosity. I did, nevertheless, appreciate the fact that the author stayed away from the more dogmatic approach on Judaism and its traditions.
I enjoyed the emphasis on the positive values the author has found to be promoted throughout Judaism - particularly the ideas of questioning and inclusion. I also got a lot out of the chapter on the story of Moses as a lesson in leadership - having read a number of management books over the years, I've actually never seen this connection before and it is a great one.
Ultimately, for me, I didn't really connect with the idea of being Jewish while also being an atheist. I am not an atheist and am curious to get to know the Jewish understanding of God, but this did expand my curiosity. I did, nevertheless, appreciate the fact that the author stayed away from the more dogmatic approach on Judaism and its traditions.
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August 18, 2023Bronfman's introduction is a great look at how one can practice, think about, and promote "secular" Judaism: promoting the rituals and customs of the faith while denying its traditional metaphysics. Yet, his anti-supernaturalist tendency can become overdone: every and any element in the tradition that posits theism must be secularized. Bronfman's moral faith, while just and commendable, leaves no room for the mysterious, for the aspects of reality that are and forever will be unexplained by science or reason. To Bronfman, Judaism's great virtues are in its allowance of intellectual freedom, curiosity, and internal diversity-- a faith of deeds not creed. And yet, when it comes to the unexplainable there is dogmatic insistence on it being explainable.
April 19, 2016
I decided to read this after I was asked to review a book for my Rhea Hirsch School of Education Alumni newsletter. This is a deeply personal statement about why be Jewish completed shortly before Edgar Bronfman died. He outlines myriads of ways to interpret Jewish texts, holidays and life cycle events that invite event the most disengaged Jew to come back into the Jewish world on their own terms. I found myself agreeing with many of his points. The last chapter on Moses as a model leader is outstanding.
October 11, 2019
Bronfman's paternal and sympathetic voice carries the reader through this informative introduction/guide to living as a non-religious Jew. I believe it could provide the inspired perspective to religious and non-religious Jews alike. Worth reading.
May 29, 2017
I appreciated hearing from an entirely secular, atheist Jew why Jewish traditions and holidays and Torah are so valuable. That is, he's not just a "hey, let's celebrate Passover because that's when the whole family gets together" kind of guy; he is deeply invested in all elements of Jewish history and culture except for worship of God. He grew up in a mostly unreligious and unobservant family, so this investment came much later in his life, which I appreciate.
The last chapter is kind of tedious -- leadership lessons to be learned from the story of the Exodus, featuring such obvious lessons as "have a vision," "create bonds among supporters," "be organized," etc. -- but I enjoyed the rest of the book.
The last chapter is kind of tedious -- leadership lessons to be learned from the story of the Exodus, featuring such obvious lessons as "have a vision," "create bonds among supporters," "be organized," etc. -- but I enjoyed the rest of the book.
October 19, 2018
The subtitle, A Testament, is more telling than the main title, which more aptly would be How I'm Jewish, or something of that ilk. It's a very personal connection that Bronfman writes about, and he encourages the reader to try things his way - or at least consider how it might fit. There are some really interesting ideas, turns of phrase, etc., but as a whole, it didn't live up to my expectation of the title - the why was individual, and wanted to read something more universal. If you're trying to learn about the religion, though, or alter your practice of it? Sure, give it a shot. Maybe his way is your way, too.
March 21, 2022
This book is a very moving description of core tenants of Judaism faith, culture, stories, and history. I was reading it alongside some books I'm still working on, and I appreciate the very particular focus on practicing Judaism from someone who doesn't believe in God but can still explain the value and beauty of sacred texts, rituals, and ethics. It's a very accessible and moving overview. Removing some stars because Bronfman's Zionism peeks out periodically in a way that is incredibly divorced from his views about ethical behavior, and it's very bizarre.
May 21, 2017
One of the most beautiful book I've read
One of the most beautiful book I've seen. Touched me. Moved me. The Jewish approach is too liberal but even though its liberality, I thoroughly loved it.
One of the most beautiful book I've seen. Touched me. Moved me. The Jewish approach is too liberal but even though its liberality, I thoroughly loved it.
June 14, 2019
This book was the first book I read on my trip back into Judaism. It was very thought provoking and challenged a few of my perceptions about what I thought about my relationship to my faith.
June 20, 2022
Thank you Edgar!!
July 22, 2022
Wonderful look at secular Judaism
December 2, 2023
Really impactful to help me understand Judaism, and God in a new way.
October 16, 2025
Good take on some important aspects of Judaism.
September 13, 2020
This book is amazing in the respect that it does not tell readers they have to be religious in order to embrace the traditions and historical connections to Judaism. I loved the way the author incorporated his own story into the work without making it a memoir as such. This book drew me in and didn't let me go even afer finishing it.
If you are a Jew that has struggled to understand your place within Judaism as a whole, this book may very well have the answers you have been looking for. I am always skeptical at the beginning of books with titles such as this one, but within the first few pages, the author had me convinced that continuing this reading journey with him would be worth the time. I am pleased to say that it truly was.
This is the kind of book that encourages some soul searching and deep thinking. I felt that by the end I had a better understanding of my own thoughts and feelings regarding Jewish life and it made me realise that I was not alone in my fears and curiosity.
If you have questions and want answers, you can't go wrong with this book.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher, provided through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
If you are a Jew that has struggled to understand your place within Judaism as a whole, this book may very well have the answers you have been looking for. I am always skeptical at the beginning of books with titles such as this one, but within the first few pages, the author had me convinced that continuing this reading journey with him would be worth the time. I am pleased to say that it truly was.
This is the kind of book that encourages some soul searching and deep thinking. I felt that by the end I had a better understanding of my own thoughts and feelings regarding Jewish life and it made me realise that I was not alone in my fears and curiosity.
If you have questions and want answers, you can't go wrong with this book.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher, provided through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
July 23, 2016
One man's journey away from a stringent and uncompromising version of Judaism, and then his later rediscovery and exploration of defining what it truly means to embrace Judaism. I love his fresh perspective that doing things in the name of (any) religion just because that's how it has always been done is uninspiring and not meaningful. As modern Jews, it is okay that the way we practice our faith looks different from our past. In fact, the future of Judaism depends on it. His perspective that seeking out justice, asking questions, and questioning the very faith we hold so dear, are actually all things that are extremely Jewish characteristics. Judaism can and should evolve to reflect our larger knowledge base and modern thinking. And it just feels better. And isn't that the way religion should make us feel? Love, Justice, Meaning, Gratitude. Sign me up!
September 27, 2021
Why be Jewish? Well that’s the question, isn’t it? And it’s one Edgar Bronfman explored in depth, by sharing his own journey and life with Judaism, and the deep love he had for the religion. I read this book without knowing that Mr. Bronfman had completed it within only weeks before his death in 2013, so reviewing it now brings many thoughts of my own regarding my own relationship to Judaism, but especially to how I felt when reading his book. It was very emotional and awe-inspiring for me.
“Why Be Jewish?” Is a book of reflection and an exploration of what it means to experience faith in oneself and a higher power, no matter who that higher power is. Edgar Bronfman wrote from his life, his heart, and detailed such a compelling reason to be Jewish. I highly recommend this book.
“Why Be Jewish?” Is a book of reflection and an exploration of what it means to experience faith in oneself and a higher power, no matter who that higher power is. Edgar Bronfman wrote from his life, his heart, and detailed such a compelling reason to be Jewish. I highly recommend this book.
August 9, 2016
This is a great book about finding your place within your faith even if it is later on in life. Bronfman shows that we can do things our own way within our religion and still find inspiration and meaning. The future of Judaism may look different from our past but practices are allowed to grow and change over time. Bronfman explores different ways that it is okay to lead with our roots but conform them to fit our needs.
May 18, 2016
An excellent book published posthumously by one of the great Jewish leaders of our time. He discusses how his business and personal life have been influenced by Jewish tradition and values. There is also a very informative summary of each Jewish holiday, explaining the history and customs/practices related to each one. I highly recommend this book!
October 4, 2016
A passionate take on how to live a meaningful Jewish life. Bronfman tends toward the more liberal and secular rather than spiritual, so this book could be of interest to those who self identify as "not religious." It would also be a good introduction to the basic ideas and traditions of Judaism.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews