How To Be An Extremely Reform Jew

by David M. Bader, Jeff Moores (Illustrator)

Extremely Reform Judaism is one of the world's fastest growing denominations and also its most misunderstood-ever since the ancient forefathers first lifted their eyes to God to ask, "Why can't we have a Christmas Tree?"

How to Be an Extremely Reform Jew pokes irreverent yet good-natured fun its subject, with chapters on the mandatory and optional Extremely Reform Jewish holidays; maintaining the Extremely Reform Jewish home; diaspora travel tips; Extremely Reform rites of passage (circumcision, bar mitzvah, intermarriage); and how to deprogram your Extremely Reform child after he has joined a religious cult.

Highlights include "The Ten Suggestions"; a "Feast and Fast Yo-Yo Diet Guide to Jewish Holidays"; and "Glengarry Glen Purim, a David Mamet Purim Play."

This humorous illustrated guide contains numerous quotations from ancient Extremely Reform Jewish texts, such as, "He who gives a coin to the poor is rewarded with six blessings, but he who makes a pledge to charity receives a free tote bag," and, "Thou shalt not stand outside the synagogue on the High Holy Days scalping thy tickets to the services."

First published by Avon Books in 1994, the new edition preserves the content of the original in fresh paperback and ebook formats. It's an ideal gift for Hanukkah or any occasion.

Genres: Humor

140 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1994

About the author

Also published as David Bader
Manhattan attorney turned haiku humourist, David Bader is author of several US cult hits Haikus for Jews: For You, a Little Wisdom and Zen Judaism: For You, a Little Enlightenment. He lives and counts syllables in New York City.

Reviews

[Bruce Cline]

Not being Jewish, it’s arguably odd (weird? disturbing?) that I went out of my way to order this book to read. However, in my defense, after reading Haikus for Jews, I was fairly certain that Bader’s humor would override or make irrelevant my general ignorance of Judaism. I was correct, so the cost of the book (plus shipping) were dollars well spent. If only some gentile were to write a comparable volume about secularized Christians! Of course, my ignorance of Hebrew and Jewish religious traditions made some of Bader’s commentary impenetrable, but I think I ‘got’ most of what he wrote, at least superficially. And not to brag, but I’ve long excelled at superficial. What I found fascinating was that several sections were marked or underscored, as if a previous reader was making notes about the importance of specific pieces of advice. One in particular was about the ritual of washing of hands during Passover (see photo). What was the purpose of that reader’s check mark? T’is a puzzlement. Anyway, I loved the book, notwithstanding its total irrelevance to my life (or afterlife).

[midnightbookreads]

Religious Humor
Once you understand the traditions, then it's easy to make fun of it all.
Funny enough, this read leans towards a Humanistic Judaism take on things.
This wasn't a roll on floor laughing read, but many chuckles were had.
If you are a Member of the Tribe, this read is definitely worthwhile.
Disclaimer, some pop culture references are very dated.
4.5/5

[Devorah]

Great fun and a chance to puzzle over some of the traditions that mystify us. This book gave my mom and I a lot to talk about when I converted.

[Frieden]

I laughed so hard I cried. It moved me.