On Being a Jew

Rating:
Summary: Biased Presentation of Judaism
Review: I would give this book zero stars if it were possible to do so. Kugel's presentation of what it means to be a Jew in the world today has a heavy-handed Orthodox bias that is most present in its presentation of other Jewish movements. The most disappointing aspect of the book was Judd Lewis's (Yehuda HaLevi's) failure to raise any serious questions to the dogma and doggerel laid down by the man who is supposed to convince him not to intermarry. If you are seeking a good book about what it means to be a Jew today, check out any of Joseph Telushkin's books, which, though written from an Orthodox viewpoint, manage to present all forms of Judaism without bias/

Rating:
Summary: Honest, Stimulating, and Provocative
Review: Kugel's book provokes you to think rather than present you with pre-packaged answers to complex questions. If you're looking for easy answers, look elsewhere. If you're looking for an approach, this is a good place to start.

Rather than use the stadard approach to selling religion: It will make you happier and healthier, Kugel provides an alternative to this narcissistic version of G-d's place in our lives.

Rating:
Summary: A brilliant insight into traditional Judaism
Review: The current time period can be described as the polarization of Modern orthodoxy. Modern orthodoxy is being stretched on two opposite fronts and faces a serious danger of collapse. On the one side there is a "blackening" of Judaism and this threatens compromising basic fundamentals of Judaism which although stems from a tremendous respect and fear (as the term "Charedi" means) for the mitzvoth is nonetheless not ideal. At the same time there is a counter pull which is equally as destructive if not more so (but only on a technical level being that the former adheres to halacha, yet fundamentally they both represent the same horrors and threats). The counter pull is assimilationism.

In contrast to both of these ideas stands Modern orthodoxy. It must be realized that Modern orthodoxy is not a middle ground, it is not a buffer ground between charredim and Conservative/Reform/Reconstructionism. This is a fallacy. Modern orthodoxy is not a compromise. It is not a combination. It is neither an enhancement of religion by the introduction of society nor the enhancement of society by the addition of culture/religion. It is the way of truth. We believe it is the lifestyle that g-d demands out of us. There is no reason that in the modern time people are embarrassed, silent, shy, apprehensive, or apologetic about "our way", the way of Truth! (Rabbi Lamm)

With this understanding the battle to maintain a true Modern orthodoxy in which its adheres are both truly living in the world to serve G-d is 1. a proper understanding of Judaism and 2. a sense of pride within Judaism. I think this work by Professor Kugel is brilliant in that it outlines the fundamentals of Judaism and presents them in an extremely well expressed manner. The book describes how Jews live to serve g-d and he leaves the reader with an inspiration. Essentially I see the book as the answer to what Modern Orthodoxy needs in its current struggle. I see this book as a critical read and encourage it heavily.