Why Be Jewish? Book

"All beginnings require that you unlock new doors."—Rabbi Nachman of Bratslav

In this short and inspiring text, Rabbi David J. Wolpe addresses all who seek to enlarge the spiritual side of their lives. For those considering a return to the faith of their forebears, for those drawn to conversion, Why Be Jewish? is a learned, graceful, and welcoming introduction beckoning readers into the heart of this venerable and enduring religion.

Publishers Weekly

Clearly-at times beautifully-written, Why Be Jewish? does not claim to be a rigorous theological analysis or a detailed guide to Jewish practice. Instead it is ``a personal portrait of faith for those who are searching,'' written for Jews who wish to know more about Judaism, for non-Jews who may be thinking of marrying a Jew or for those who are simply curious. Wolpe, who teaches at the University of Judaism in Los Angeles, uses Judaism as a grounding point for a general spiritual quest. He emphasizes that Jews are bound together throughout history by their belief in one God, their resilience and their great gifts to culture. Judaism, he says, as ``a religion of joy and affirmation in spite of the sufferings of the Jewish people,'' honors all features of being human, stresses the importance of deeds as a sign of faith and rejoices in the personal, deep involvement of God. (Oct.)