Product Description

Gateway to Judaism delivers an engaging insider look at the mindset, values, and practices of contemporary traditional Judaism. Rabbi Becher demonstrates that Judaism today is anything but anachronistic rites and disjointed rituals. Rather, his book opens a portal to a vibrant lifestyle that brings joy and meaning to Jewish living. Based on years of answering thousands of challenging inquiries, Becher's work blends elements of Jewish philosophy and law with an intensely practical explanation of how Jews actually live.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #299748 in Books
• Published on: 2005-11-07
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 518 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9781422600306
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

From the Back Cover
" Gateway to Judaism is a book that will inspire, inform and guide readers in exploring their Jewish heritage. The style is user-friendly and the profound philosophical and ethical teachings of Judaism are clearly presented in an up-to-date, relevant manner. To the question 'What is Judaism all about?' this book provides a thoroughly researched, comprehensive and very accessible response ." — Joe Lieberman U.S. Senator

"In today’s challenging world, Jews must understand the how’s and why’s of our identity. This book gives cogent answers. I recommend it highly." — Natan Sharansky Former Israeli Member of Knesset and Minister Author of Fear No Evil and The Case for Democracy

" Gateway to Judaism is a remarkably thorough and meaningful guide to the Jewish calendar, life cycle and faith. This volume will provide renewed excitement and significance to observances throughout the year ." — Malcolm Hoenlein Executive Vice Chairman, Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations

" This is what we ’ve been waiting for! Rabbi Becher ’s masterpiece is thoroughly engaging and comprehensive in scope. His presentation and advocacy of a vibrant and pertinent Judaism will capture your imagination and enhance commitment to the Jewish way of life ." — Dr. Florence Neumann Bronfman Center for Jewish Life , 92nd Street Y, New York

"This is a book that I would not hesitate to give to anyone in the U.S. Army as an insightful, inspiring and entertaining guide to Judaism." — Colonel Ira Kronenberg Chaplain, U.S. Army Reserve

Customer Reviews

The values and practices of modern Judaism
GATEWAY TO JUDAISM: THE WHAT, HOW, AND WHY OF JEWISH LIFE is an insider's look at the values and practices of modern Judaism. Rabi Becher is a senior outreach expert with Gateways Seminars, helping thousands re-connect to their Jewish heritage. As such a leader, he was often asked for a single book to 'explain it all' - and GATEWAY TO JUDAISM is his answer, covering everything from Sabbath and traditional rituals in modern times to understanding both religious sentiments and social impacts of Judaism in everyday life.

The Best !
Comprehensive and relevant for all Jews with meaningful insights into Torah observance. This text is practical, philosophic and a good reference tool. It's a great read, and a great gift. My highest recommendation across the board!

Engaging book that opens gate to understanding
Reviewed by Tammy Petty Conrad for Reader Views (2/06)

Rabbi Becher has responded to frequent requests for a book on all aspects of Judaism by creating this useful volume. As a scholar and lecturer on Judaism, he could always provide lengthy lists of books on different areas within the topic. But he never felt there was one book that included everything, so he wrote one himself. His engaging style encourages curious readers to learn more about this religion.

In Gateway to Judaism, sections include the Cycle of Life, which covers various transitions explaining the rituals observed and the history behind them. He moves on to a detailed discourse of the holidays throughout the Jewish year. Rabbi Becher continues by explaining the importance of the Torah, their holy book, and the role of the synagogue in the life of a Jew. He ends with a section titled Self, which features individual behavior including dietary laws and prayer, as well as other daily practices. No detail is left out from learning about specific prayers for each festival to the foods prepared for each ritual.

Many of the festivals and ceremonies were already familiar to me, but I didn't always know the history or significance of an event. Rabbi Becher makes a point of also explaining why the rules and regulations are still practical, demonstrating the relevancy of Judaism in today's world. I particularly enjoyed his use of a "fabricated" family, the Levy's, to show how they would participate in a holiday or ritual in their home.
Although this is no college textbook, there are plenty of footnotes for those who want further information as well as a glossary, a recommended reading list divided by topic and a chapter devoted to organizations and Web sites where even more information can be obtained.

This engaging book is truly a compilation of all things Jewish and a gift for anyone seeking to learn more about the religion. It should be recommended reading for not only Jews, but members of other faiths as well, since information opens the gate to understanding.