A Guide to Jewish Religious Practice

by Isaac Klein

A detailed and comprehensive guide to conservative Jewish practice, including laws of kashrut, observance of the Sabbath and holidays, life events. presents full.

Genres: Judaism, Judaica, Jewish, Reference, Nonfiction

588 pages, Hardcover

First published January 28, 1979

Reviews

[Jordon Gyarmathy]

I think this book is a very helpful source for religious observance in conservative Judaism. I enjoy the explanation of the festivals and I think the book includes great quotes and sources giving Talmudic and Torah derived precedents and context for laws. There is a LOT of in depth talk of kosher slaughter that is probably only relevant to a shochet and a lot of in depth talk about gets which I didnt find super relevant. It is also worth noting that this Klein book is outdated in many ways and The Observant Life does the job as a guide to contemporary conservative jewish life.

[Rebecca Einstein]

This is my go-to reference book. In fact, I have a home copy and another copy that I keep in my study at the synagogue!

[Lisa Feld]

I have mixed feelings about this that are very tied to the book and its author being of a certain era. It’s a thorough guide to Jewish law and custom as understood by the Conservative Movement in 1979. It lays out what needs to happen to fulfill Jewish law (and what is merely custom) in everything from lifecycle events like weddings and funerals to the minutia of daily life such as keeping kosher.

However, it needs to be taken with a bucket of salt, because both society and Jewish law have shifted since 1979. Considering the pace at which the Jewish world continues to evolve and change, it’s unlikely that anyone would undertake publishing a new version with the same thoroughness and breadth in print; my guess is the next iteration will be both modular and virtual to allow for the flex and shift of Halakha.

[Benjamin]

This is the most singular and comprehensive guide to Conservative halachah available. It's also, as far as I'm aware, the only comprehensive guide to Conservative halachah. In some places it shows its age and the structure of the book leaves something to be desired. Nevertheless it is an indispensable reference. I hope that in time it will spawn a couple of commentaries that maintain its relevance.

[Michael]

An insightful book on Conservative Judaism. Written by a Rabbi this book addresses prayer, dietary laws, services, etc., while it's heavy this book is a must read for the convert, would-be convert and Jew who is looking to increase their knowledge and devotion.

[Ari]

Still one of the best. If you want to know anything about Conservative Jewish practice, this is the first place to turn. Worth owning as a reference book, or if you are like me, worth reading for fun. I have a feeling I'll be referring to this a lot in the future.

[P. Es]

same curiosity reasons as stated for 'halakha for our time'

[Lois Portnoff]

A classic which belongs in every Jewish library

[isabelle]

This is a permanent reading because I often refer to this great source of information for Holidays and life cycle events. Very grateful to my Temple for presenting that book to me. :)

[Marjorie]

A bit of a bore, really. Picked up some interesting pieces of info here and there but it badly needs a Glossary.