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Why Jews Do That: Or 30 Questions Your Rabbi Never Answered
A Fun Take on "Judaism for Dummies" that Will Answer All Questions Wondered by the Goyim and Jewish People Alike!
When the subject of religion comes up, people often get very shy and are worried about offending. Now, if there was only a book that covered all the nooks and crannies of a religion, written in an easily digestible way...
Well, now there is! Written by Rabbi Avram Mlotek, Why Jews Do That is a terrific look into the Jewish religion, answering all the tough questions you've been afraid to ask. But this isn't just for the Jews among us. Just because you're Catholic, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, or the like, doesn't mean you cannot enjoy an inside look to find out if Jews believe in Jesus, what kosher really is , and how we keep our yarmulkes secured to our heads. So have no fear, as Jews are here to help!
Some of the tough questions answered by Rabbi Mlotek include:
Why Jews Do That is your one-stop shop for answers to all the questions you wanted to know, but were too shy to ask. So whether you're a devout follower, a casual observer, someone marrying into the faith, or just interested in buffing up your Bible knowledge, Rabbi Mlotek will guide you through the challah, mitzvahs, and shiksas that make Jewish life so...lively.
When the subject of religion comes up, people often get very shy and are worried about offending. Now, if there was only a book that covered all the nooks and crannies of a religion, written in an easily digestible way...
Well, now there is! Written by Rabbi Avram Mlotek, Why Jews Do That is a terrific look into the Jewish religion, answering all the tough questions you've been afraid to ask. But this isn't just for the Jews among us. Just because you're Catholic, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, or the like, doesn't mean you cannot enjoy an inside look to find out if Jews believe in Jesus, what kosher really is , and how we keep our yarmulkes secured to our heads. So have no fear, as Jews are here to help!
Some of the tough questions answered by Rabbi Mlotek include:
Why Jews Do That is your one-stop shop for answers to all the questions you wanted to know, but were too shy to ask. So whether you're a devout follower, a casual observer, someone marrying into the faith, or just interested in buffing up your Bible knowledge, Rabbi Mlotek will guide you through the challah, mitzvahs, and shiksas that make Jewish life so...lively.
- GenresNonfiction
112 pages, Hardcover
Published August 25, 2020
6 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
September 8, 2020
If you know nothing about Judaism, this is a fine place to start! It's clearly written, extremely simplified, and factually sound. It's really the ABCs. Parents of converts could certainly benefit from this, as well as anyone curious about Judaism who prefers a book to a Google search. That might suggest an older audience, but the book is also clearly geared towards millennials in terms of aesthetic and tone.
My complaint is that this book was very poorly marketed ("questions your Rabbi never answered" implies that the book is for Jews within a religious community) and is NOT actually for Jews who are even slightly literate in Jewish matters. The questions answered are things like "what is shomer shabbos," "do Jews fast," and "why are people touchy about Israel." It also feels very beefed up by illustrations, and I'd guess that less than half the page count is dedicated to written content. (But the illustrations are fun and I'm happy that they're done by WOC!)
The poor marketing means that several of my peers and I bought this book when we really didn't need it. I feel sad to say this because I admire Avram and his pedagogy, but this book was so basic that I feel uncomfortable recommending it to any of my Jewish friends. It would seem like I'm talking down to them, thinking they need this resource! I went into it thinking I'd learn something fun about the mishna or daf yomi or weird niche kabbalah. None of Avram's unique wisdom appears to shine through in this book.
TL;DR - If you have a decent rabbi, they have answered these 30 questions.
My complaint is that this book was very poorly marketed ("questions your Rabbi never answered" implies that the book is for Jews within a religious community) and is NOT actually for Jews who are even slightly literate in Jewish matters. The questions answered are things like "what is shomer shabbos," "do Jews fast," and "why are people touchy about Israel." It also feels very beefed up by illustrations, and I'd guess that less than half the page count is dedicated to written content. (But the illustrations are fun and I'm happy that they're done by WOC!)
The poor marketing means that several of my peers and I bought this book when we really didn't need it. I feel sad to say this because I admire Avram and his pedagogy, but this book was so basic that I feel uncomfortable recommending it to any of my Jewish friends. It would seem like I'm talking down to them, thinking they need this resource! I went into it thinking I'd learn something fun about the mishna or daf yomi or weird niche kabbalah. None of Avram's unique wisdom appears to shine through in this book.
TL;DR - If you have a decent rabbi, they have answered these 30 questions.
December 31, 2020
Delightful! If you want to have fun reading about Judaism, read this book. You will laugh and you will laugh. Who thought religion couldn't be funny? And the graphics are totally delightful. Bound in a mini coffee-table style, its easy to read, and peppered with fun facts and humor. If the cover looks enticing, wait till you see the graphics inside.
March 19, 2021
FANTASTIC READ! We keep this book on my kitchen counter. Insightful, honest, and hilarious.
Illustrations are incredible! Truly captures the "why" of Judaism in a short and to the point sort of way, without missing a beat.
Illustrations are incredible! Truly captures the "why" of Judaism in a short and to the point sort of way, without missing a beat.
April 23, 2021
What an amazing book. I loved it all.
March 2, 2023
This book describes the basics of Judaism in clear ways anyone interested can understand.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews