On Judaism: Conversations on Being Jewish in Today's World

by Emanuel Feldman

Have you ever wondered what it means to be a Jew? Why Judaism is still relevant in the modern world? What Judaism says about such topics as faith...covenant...chosen people...ethics...mitzvah observance...kashruth...love...G-d...sin...holiness... pleasure...Shabbos...prayer...Torah...food...countless other matters? David wondered, too. So he had some probing conversations with his rabbi. David asks the questions you would - the answers will enlighten you and put your mind into high gear. In these conversations between David and the rabbi, Judaism becomes exciting and stimulating, a joyous adventure of mind and body. It makes demands and offers rewards. And most of all, it is as fresh today as it was thousands of years ago. With knowledge, erudition, humor, good taste, tolerance, and elegant expression, David's rabbi gives shape and meaning to Judaism. His beginning and end is the Torah and its eternal tradition; his idiom is David's, his setting is our world. To those who think that Judaism is long on ritual and short on logic, the rabbi shows how it is a seamless whole, with the commandments flowing from the central core of faith and values. Far from being other-worldly or esoteric, Judaism is practical and constructive, obsessed only with the mission of perfecting people and their world through service to their Creator. Especially today, when Jewry is so divided within itself, when both interest in authentic Judaism and estrangement from all its traditional forms are reaching new heights, this work is needed. And it responds to the need. Few books are simultaneously so important, useful, and enjoyable.

Genres: Judaism, Jewish

302 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 1994

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the type of book one would love to share with secular Jewish friends. With an almost whimsical style, Rabbi Feldman and his hypothetical David explore many facets of Judaism. They explore different concepts, both philosophical and observance related. David is a man with many questions about the religion of his birth, and typically, has only marginal familiarity with both its history, observances and most of all, meaning. Rabbi Feldman patiently takes the time to fully clarify each step of their journey.

It is worth noting that as a pulpit rabbi with many years experience building up both a synagogue and Jewish community in Atlanta, this book is no doubt based on his actual conversations and experiences with congregants.

The lack of a 5th Star is sort of personal - I didn’t feel that I could just sit and continue reading for long periods, but rather a chapter a day. While it’s a highly readable book, it takes time to absorb so much information at once.