Jew Got Questions

by Lawrence Hajioff

Jew Got Questions is an easy-to-read guide that helps you navigate Judaism in today's world.

Throughout the author's 13 year rabbinical career, he has been asked numerous questions - in person, via email, text message, Skype, ambush, and on the subway.

Some include: What happens to my soul after I die? What do my dreams mean? What's the origin of the Star of David? Why do we dip the challah into salt? Can I miss meeting my soul mate? And many more...

Jew Got Questions provides a fresh and insightful take on some of the most common and even uncommon inquiries. It can be referenced at a moment's notice, drawing on Biblical, Talmudic, and Kabbalistic sources. This book answers hundreds of questions about laws, customs, and practices of Jewish life, that transform Judaism from being a religion into a relationship.

Genres: Jewish, Nonfiction, Religion

310 pages, Paperback

First published October 7, 2014

Reviews

[rivka · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

The good: The overall organization of the book works better than I expected initially. Most of the content is informative without being exhaustive, and walks the line between the more right-wing attitudes and practices, and the more modern. Overall, it does what the title claims: answers many of the common questions people ask about Orthodox Judaism. And in a conversational tone, with occasional bits of humor. (Sometimes too much -- there are some dad-type jokes and other groaners.)

The bad: While his overall attitude towards science is fine (he doesn't buy into the claim that science is contrary to or antithetical to Orthodox Judaism), he tries a bit too hard to have it both ways. Mostly by making it clear that he doesn't understand what a scientific theory IS. Also, he spends most of the last chapter going into quite a bit of detail on "Jewish astrology". Which a large percentage of Orthodox Jews consider to be well outside the realm of mainstream Orthodox Judaism.

So my suggestion if this is a subject you are interested in? Read it, but take a few large grains of salt with the section on science, and skip most of the last chapter.

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book did what it needed to do: give me the basics of Judaism. As a non-Jewish person dating a Jewish person, it was very helpful in understanding important beliefs and answering questions that might be had. However, my one remark is that the last chapter of the book seemed out of place and didn’t seem necessary in the book, and also was not something I needed to know. I don’t really equate zodiacs with faith. Overall it was very educational and I would recommend it to Jewish and non-Jewish people who want to understand more about Judaism

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun intro to Judaism! It's like sitting down with a rabbi to ask the awkward questions, doubly awkward because I'm a Catholic. It shares wisdom of the ages with a sense of humor, making it more personal.

There are things I disagree with (obviously, not being a Jew), but it's interesting to see it from a different perspective. (I had some opinions about the Messiah on my blog.) The book is prefaced by saying these are questions people have actually asked him, and he never talks down to you in the answers. It varies from questions like "what does kosher mean" to "what should I name my kid." There's much talk about mourning and the Commandments, things we have a lot of questions about.

I wish it got more into the Torah itself, where many of those traditions and rituals originate. Much of it is cultural, but I also want to learn its meaning! Although most Jews will just shrug and say "it's tradition" and move on. I might have to accept that no one really knows.

[Dan Stern · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read random parts of this book as soon as it came in the mail, like with every book I get, but began to read through it quickly as it grabbed my attention. As somebody who's been reading sefarim for years, I can honestly say that this book is one very easy guide -and for the curious, introduction -to Judaism, regardless of one's background, as it answers many random questions asked by real people, written compassionately, in a clear and simple-to-understand style with the reader in mind that also entertains and keeps us wanting more. Looking forward to reading more of the author's works.

[Leora Ifrailova · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book does exactly what it says: answers FAQ's on Judaism. The astrology bit had me confused and intrigued me to look into other Torah-dic sources, but overall, an excellent reference book for all things Jewish.