Research Catalog

Title

Gateway to Judaism : the what, how and why of Jewish life / Mordechai Becher.

Author

Becher, Mordechai.

Publication

Brooklyn, N.Y. : Shaar Press : 2005.

Items in the Library & Off-site

Details

Description

518 p. : ill.; 24 cm.

Summary

Gateway to Judaism is an insider's engaging look at the mindset, values, and practices of Judaism in the 21st century. As a senior lecturer and outreach expert with Gateways Seminars, Rabbi Mordechai Becher has helped thousands of people reconnect with the beauty, wisdom and relevance of their Jewish heritage. Often asked to recommend "just one book" that would explain the essentials of Jewish life and thought , he decided to write it himself! Delving beneath common perceptions of Jewish tradition, Rabbi Becher presents fresh and meaningful perspectives that will educate and inspire you. Among the many intriguing topics he addresses are: Is there spirituality in Judaism? In our age of labor-saving devices, do we still need a Sabbath? What is Judaism's view on death and the afterlife? Why is Judaism so full of laws? Why should I pray? Does God really want to hear my complaints? Can Judaism enhance my marriage? Isn't circumcision just an ancient rite of initiation? Is it still relevant? Why is Israel so central to Judaism? Does a religion need a land? Why does a mourner say Kaddish? Wasn't keeping kosher a health measure? Does it still have a purpose today? How can I add meaning to my Passover Seder? Gateway to Judaism reveals Judaism's power to elevate your life. Whether you are new to Jewish tradition, familiar with its practice, or simply curious, you will find this book an illuminating guide to a joyous and fulfilling lifestyle. -- from dust cover.

Subjects

• Orthodox Judaism > Customs and practices
• Jewish way of life
• Judaism > Introductions

Bibliography (note)

• Includes bibliographical references and index.

Processing Action (note)

• committed to retain

Contents

Time: The cycle of life: Two become one -- Zero to thirteen -- A time to cry -- Calendar: The Jewish calendar -- Who invented the weekend anyway? -- The Jewish New Year --The Day of Atonement --Jews in booths--Sukkot --Spiritual survival--Chanukah -- Physical survival--Purim -- Passover--Free at last -- Back to Sinai--Shavuot -- Slow down, it's a fast day! -- Place: The Torah and its home -- The land of Israel -- Self: Action: Looking Jewish -- Soul food--the kosher dietary laws -- Material witnesses -- Person to person -- Justice , charity, and tzedakah -- Thought: Belief, knowledge and faith -- Why are there commandments? -- Torah study -- Speech: Getting up on the right side of the bed--prayer -- Blessings and appreciation -- Appendices: Who are the Jews and where do they come from? -- The books of the people, for the people of the book.

ISBN

1422600300 (hardcover)

OCLC

• 62458065
• SCSB-12279852

Owning Institutions

Harvard Library