Being Jewish Today

This inspiring book has made me a better Jew, one who understands more, who knows more. No wonder Rabbi Bayfield enjoys such a high intellectual reputation. -- Daniel Finkelstein
This remarkable book takes us on a journey: geographic, historical, cultural, philosophical, political, autobiographical and, yes, religious. One can almost hear the wise, warm, witty voice of Tony Bayfield; his humanity suffuses the entire volume. For Jew and non-Jew alike there is so much here to satisfy curiosity and promote understanding. -- Michael Marmot
A deeply humane, learned and personal reflection on Jewish identity, full of insights and challenges for non-Jews. At this time of resurgent prejudice, it is crucial to have books like this to keep mind and conscience awake. -- Rowan Williams, Former Archbishop of Canterbury
Brilliant – clear but erudite, entertaining but weighty, personal but universal -- Rebecca Front, actress
Mesmerizing, intelligent, honest, Rabbi Bayfield movingly opens the soul of the reader to the religious depths of his work. This book is a treasure. -- David Ellenson, Chancellor Emeritus of Hebrew Union College, Jewish Institute of Religion
Written with engaging humor, intellectual openness and humility, Being Jewish Todaydelivers just what the title promises: athoughtful and inviting statement of what it means to be a Jew in today’s complicated world. While entirely relevant to American Jews, it also provides an interesting window into some of the differences between the American and British Jewish situations -- Judith Plaskow, Professor Emerita of Religious Studies, Manhattan College and author of Standing Again at Sinai
Rabbi Professor Tony Bayfield has produced a magnum opus for our time -- Deborah Kahn-Harris, Rabbi and Principal, Leo Baeck College
A wonderful new book … The theme of Rabbi Bayfield’s book is how to understand Judaism now that science and modern sensibility has changed the way we look at the world. And this addresses problems I struggle with all the time … Rabbi Bayfield deals with all this with great sensitivity. -- Daniel Finkelstein * Jewish Chronicle *
Tony Bayfield, a theologian and former head of the Movement for Reform Judaism, reflects on the universal dimensions of Judaism and those parts concerned with Jewish identity. * Financial Times *
British Jews rarely produce theology that demands to be read. Tony Bayfield has … In attempting to answer the perplexities and uncertainties of contemporary life, Being Jewish Today is part of the Jewish quest for meaning, for Torah. Rabbi Bayfield has done a great service by bringing it to light. -- Harry Freedman * Jewish Chronicle *
This is a book that will reward careful reading and rereading … A work that will enrich one’s understanding of what it is to be a Jewish believer, fully engaged with the challenges and ideas of today’s world. Being Jewish Today will find its place among the significant Jewish books of our time. * Jerusalem Post *