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Summary: Great Reference Guide
Review: This is a great reference guide for non-Jews and non-religious Jews. I have browsed through most of the chapters, and have found that it answers most of the questions that people ask about my ancestors.Even though it is designed like a reference guide, I am considering picking it up and reading it like a novel
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Summary: A great Bar Mitzvah gift!
Review: I think I've bought at least a dozen copies of this book since its publication. This is always part of the gift I give to a Bar or Bat Mitzvah. If you need a fast answer to most basic questions (and some not so basic)about Judaism, this is an indispensable reference to keep on hand.
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Summary: This is an incredible book for student and expert alike!
Review: I have rarely read any book that can cover such a vast array of subject matter,(especially as vast as Judaism), that is so easy to read, and in fact, enjoyable to read. The really nice thing about this book, is you can use it as a reference, where you can get a good general idea on what you want by looking it up individually, or you can read it straight through like a novel. I highly, highly recommend this book!
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Summary: Essential for non-observant Jews
Review: Rabbi Telushkin has performed a great service with this book. It is dvided quite sensibly into themes which makes for easy browsing. If one is interested in a specific topic, the index points the way. He is not dogmatic and walks a fine line explaining the how and the why of certain customs. Observant Jews will already know most of what is in the book, but this is a must for non-observant Jews or for Jews who are coming back and need a non-doctrinaire friend. Christians who are curious will also find a very readable text here. The omission of Rabbi Nachman of Bratslav is a strange one and there are some contradictions that he dodges. Especially valuable are the notes for further reading. A Winner!
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Summary: Perfect balance accessible yet packed with info
Review: I've been looking in vain for the right balance for years. So many "catch-up" books on Judaism are filled with abstrusse, over-complicated talmudic esoterica that made no sense. And on the other hand, many of the books aimed at people with less learning in Judaism were pitched too low, they assumed no knowledge whatsoever - they'd take pages and pages to explain that passover was about the exodus from Egypt, and you'd learn very little else. This book, on the other hand, is a marvel. It's filled with memorable quotes, and perceptive and balanced commentary. It's a great read, too - Rabbi Telushkin is a natural writer (has several works of fiction under his belt). For the first time, I feel I've come away from one of these books actually REMEMBERING and UNDERSTANDING large chunks of the history and philosophy it traverses. I'm very greatful, because I've been through about fifteen books in the past that either left me bored out of my mind or lost and frustrated or just feeling blank! Thanks Rabbi Telushkin!
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Summary: Basic Jewish Literature
Review: I'm finishing my conversion course (my mother is not Jew, only my father) and this book allowed me to know almost everything about the jewish people and traditions. I simply couldn't stop reading! I want to keep him for my children in the future!
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Summary: A must-read for anyone desiring to understand Judaism
Review: I am not Jewish, but have a fascination with their culture, history and religion. This book is a virtual encyclopedia of information by topic which you can either read from cover-to-cover, or use as reference material. I HIGHLY recommend it.
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Summary: Superb!
Review: My rabbi told me about this book and I refer to it often when friends ask me "why do Jews do ..." or "what is the significance of <jewish holiday>". Very easy to read, and very easy to find answers to things that many Jews and non-Jews may not know about Judiasm.
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Summary: An enclopedia that reads like a book
Review: This is an excellent resource for Jews by Choice, or anyone who hasn't done a Jewish thing since their bris and wants to know more. It has short essays organized logically on any Jewish topic you could think of. And the author draws from many, many scholars and authors who are experts on each of the various topics addressed, so the reader can be confidant of reputable information.
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Summary: Great introduction for an inquisitive Jew
Review: As a young Jew previously unexposed to the majority of my religion's history and content, this book provided a wonderful foundation in my endeavor to understand Judaism.
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