Jewish Living: A Guide to Contemporary Reform Practice

by Mark Washofsky

This definitive guide for Reform Jewish practice leads the reader to an understanding of the whole of Jewish life -- from blessing to b'nei mitzvah, Havdalah to haftarah, and tikkun olam to Tikkun Leil Shavuot.  The revised edition features an index, cross-references to Mishkan T'filah, and new sections exploring the impact of changes in the movement and the world at large over the last decade, including same-sex marriage, conversion, bioethics, and justification of war.  Jewish Living is an ideal gift for b'nei mitzvah, confirmation, and graduation, and deserves pride of place on the bookshelf of every Reform Jewish library, classroom, office, and home.

Genres: Judaism, Jewish, Judaica, Religion, Nonfiction

497 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1999

Reviews

[Morris Arvoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The current best and most practical book about practicing Reform Judaism.

[Zhelana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book provided an interesting look at what Reform Jews believe about a wide variety of topics from interfaith services to homosexuality to the Jews for Jesus. While I knew most of the information in it, the justifications for things that are different about Reform Judaism was interesting, and thoughtful. I'm taking off a star because I kind of feel like it tried to do too much and almost ran into being one of those books where there's a new topic every day and I can't keep track of the book. Indeed, I don't really remember the first half of the book too well. But what I do remember was interesting. I'm not sure how old this book is that there was still significant debate amongst reform rabbis as to whether they would officiate at weddings for same sex couples? But anyway, good book.

[Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great guide to reform Judaism. It is very readable and I enjoy Washofsky's writing style and the way that he explains things. A major theme running through the book is the back and forth between law and tradition on the one hand, and modern practice and adaptability on the other. I found the discussions of how the reform movement has changed its positions over time to be particularly interesting, as well as how it relates with the other major movements of Judaism.

[Jordon Gyarmathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this thorough guide to living a life as a Reform Jew. The book was well structured with great annotations and resources included. Personally I was able to figure out more about my relationship to Reform Judaism through reading this book. I wish it had talked a little more on Kashrut and a little more on the queer jewish community. Overall, I greatly enjoyed the read.

[Jan Klusacek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Basic comprehensive book covering all current issues of US Reform Jewry. Very practical!

[Luann Thatcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

very well written. clear differences are noted. this book changed my mind on what reform Judaism should look like.

[Christopher Sewell · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a very informative read, with great insights.