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3.96 of 5 stars

You're no idiot, of course. You know that in the Jewish religion Yom Kippur is the Day of Atonement and that Saturday, known as the Sabbath, is... read full description


reviews

Dec 29, 2009
Lauren rated it: 3 of 5 stars
Blech indeed. A comprehensive overview with lots of interesting points. Very helpful in understanding Judaism, as is to be expected. Granted, I'm not a complete idiot, so I object to the author's statements about the efficacy of prayer (studies have proven exactly the opposite of his conclusion and scientists are not, by the way, baffled). But for one interested in an overview of the world's main religions, as I am, it is a place to start.
Dec 27, 2010
Jeff rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Thank God for this book. I have learned that the Bible (sans New Testament) is actually "The Guide" to Understanding Judaism, but if you are a complete idiot like me, you need this guide to The Guide. Shown to beneficial for someone who lives in NYC but grew up in a 99% Irish-American town on Long Island. I can't wait to see how it ends. Is this mic on?
May 06, 2010
Tiffany rated it: 4 of 5 stars
This is a good overview, written by a Modern Orthodox rabbi but respectful of all traditions. I laughed out loud more than once at the jokes and tales from the pulpit.
Sep 22, 2009
Franziska rated it: 4 of 5 stars
it is very good and simple to follow.
May 05, 2009
Becky rated it: 4 of 5 stars
I watched a fun movie, called "Arranged," about an Orthodox Jewish girl who becomes friends with a Muslim girl in NYC and now I want to find out more.
May 03, 2009
Christine rated it: 5 of 5 stars
So much more than an idiot's guide! This is actually an impressively in-depth book on Judaism. Rabbi Blech is hilarious and extremely informative. Since beginning this book, I have unwittingly embarrassed several secular Jewish friends and co-workers by knowing more about Jewish traditions than them. I bought it because I thought I should know a little more about Judaism, and I now find myself learning a lot.
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Sep 03, 2008
Allison rated it: 5 of 5 stars
I thought the rabbi that wrote this was hysterical, which made it easier to read. I learned things about my religion/culture that I never knew reasons behind. The best part about it is you can turn to it for weddings, funerals/shivas, and any holiday to learn pretty much everything you need to know. Fell in love and was 100 times prouder of my religion and culture all over again!
Aug 25, 2007
Jodi rated it: 5 of 5 stars
A great reference book for the holidays and traditions...especially when my child asks "Why do we...?"
Feb 08, 2012
Melissa marked it as to-read
Feb 08, 2012
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Jan 21, 2012
Michelle rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Dec 26, 2011
Venice rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Dec 05, 2011
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Dec 03, 2011
Elizabeth rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Nov 25, 2011
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Nov 20, 2011
Sara rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Dec 04, 2011
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Sep 30, 2011
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Sep 04, 2011
"Cerf" rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Sep 04, 2011
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Aug 06, 2011
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Jul 28, 2011
Kelly rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Jul 19, 2011
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Jul 14, 2011
Dennis rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Jul 01, 2011
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May 28, 2011
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May 11, 2011
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