Is everything in the Bible true? Why are there bad people in the world? Can't God stop them? Why do I need to learn to read; write; and speak Hebrew? Why do we fast on Yom Kippur? Where do we go after we die? This classic reference -- updated for the 21st century -- provides answers to more than 180 questions that Jewish children most frequently ask about their faith. The authors cover not only the basics of Jewish belief; custom; and practice but also the kinds of questions that arise from the unique way that children view the world; such as "Will the Messiah have superpowers like Batman or Superman?" And perhaps most important for our time; What Does Being Jewish Mean? tackles the knotty philosophical questions that often leave parents stumped for quick and appropriate responses.
#1860051 in Books Rowman Littlefield Publishers 2008-07-25Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.39 x .74 x 6.33l; 1.12 #File Name: 0742562301280 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. We had good discussions. I recommend the book highlyBy Nina BrunsThe group that I was in discussed the above mentioned book. We found it enlightening and well written; especially all of the resourcesgiven. We had good discussions. I recommend the book highly. Nina Bruns - Columbus; OH2 of 7 people found the following review helpful. Progressive and religiousBy CustomerI did not find this book an enjoyable read - perhaps my own fault; but it read too much like a very long magazine article. I am afraid I returned the book. Still; I do want to congratulate the author for dealing with an important and difficult subject.3 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Can Religion Really Be Progressive?By Chelle KWhen people usually think about the mixing of religion and politics; they jump to the idea of the Christian Right; which is one of the most vocal religious groups (if you can call it a group) involved in politics. They also have a huge outreach. For instance; Focus on the Family in Colorado Springs sends out ten monthly magazines to a combined 2.3 million subscribers. James Dobson; the founder of the organization; maintains several other organizations as well that had a combined revenue of $162 million in 2005.Who would think; then; that there was a religious left; then; with this strong influence of the religious right? Robert P. Jones looked into the phenomenon of religious organizations actually leaning to the left; or simply working towards progress. He outlines many of these organizations; and the religions they belong to; in his book Progressive and Religious.In this book; he recounts his interviews with many religious leaders that are working towards progress. He recounts how many of them have had issues with the left's insistence that religion be left behind or be kept hidden as the reason of participating in progress. He explains how each of the major religious traditions (Christianity; Judaism; Islam; and Buddhism) looks at social progress on the large scale; often because of their religious teachings. After all; he says; Martin Luther King; Jr "was first of all Rev. King; a Baptist minister who skillfully wove biblical lines about "justice rolling down like waters" and "righteousness as a mighty stream" into a new American dream that moved huge segments of our nation to action."It is certainly an interesting book to read. I know I learned to see many of the similarities between the religious because of their mutual desire to better the world. It also shows how many religious individuals are getting involved in politics because of this desire.However; the way the book is set up makes it rather difficult to read through quickly. Jones jumps around from interview to interview; offering a small bit of dry commentary between. While its fairly easy to get the basic idea of the test while skimming through it; it is also very easy for your mind to wander while reading it (at least; it was for me). The writing is not very engaging; and only interest in the various religions kept me reading the book.I give it 3.5 of 5 stars.
