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Why Be Jewish?

A Guide for Discovering and Maintaining Jewish Traditions and Values

Richard D Bank author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Jason Aronson Publishers

Published:7th Jul '01

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

Why Be Jewish? cover

Why Be Jewish? A Guide for Discovering and Maintaining Jewish Traditions and Values addresses the question raised by millions of Jews for whom traditional/religious Judaism doesn't work: "Why should I remain a Jew?" Richard D. Bank addresses the question of why be a Jew in the first place, and provides information that enables the reader to maintain his or her Jewish identity in a way suited for the individual. In addition to suggesting a return to the essence of being Jewish—an emphasis on a oneness and unity to the world—and recognizing there are many ways to express this, Why be Jewish? offers a cornucopia of resources to reinforce one's Jewish identity.

Richard D. Bank offers a refreshing antidote to the current spate of hand wringing about the future of American-Judaism: A positive, nonjudgmental vision of growth and change that disaffected Jews can swallow and even enjoy. Bank draws from a rich varietyof sources to articulate his philosophy of 'Let a thousand Jewish flowers bloom,' supporting this concept with dozens of practical answers to the question, 'How to be Jewish?.' The author's enthusiasm shines through in his combination of good humor andearnest conviction evident on every page. Richard Bank is to disaffected Jews what Dr. Spock was to new mothers: A warm and friendly voice providing not only specific answers but also reassurance that everything will be all right...
For those intrigued by Judaism but unsure of their footing, Why Be Jewish? A Guide for Discovering and Maintaining Jewish Traditions and Values clears a path in the wilderness. Richard D. Bank takes curious readers step-by-step through the process, examining every possible facet of identity to provide nontraditional and unaffiliated Jews with all the ammunition they could possibly need. And though the subject may sound forbidding, Bank has written it with style and humor so that the work is always interesting and more often entertaining. Highly recommended! -- Robert Leiter, literary editor, Jewish Exponent
Richard D. Bank offers a refreshing antidote to the current spate of hand wringing about the future of American-Judaism: A positive, nonjudgmental vision of growth and change that disaffected Jews can swallow and even enjoy. Bank draws from a rich variety of sources to articulate his philosophy of 'Let a thousand Jewish flowers bloom,' supporting this concept with dozens of practical answers to the question, 'How to be Jewish?.' The author's enthusiasm shines through in his combination of good humor and earnest conviction evident on every page. Richard Bank is to disaffected Jews what Dr. Spock was to new mothers: A warm and friendly voice providing not only specific answers but also reassurance that everything will be all right.

ISBN: 9780765761699

Dimensions: 230mm x 164mm x 18mm

Weight: 435g

284 pages