Not the comprehensive discussion that its subtitle would lead one to expect, but an endearingly smart and affectionate...
A journalist provides a lively overview of current Jewish practice across denominational lines.
Former New York Times religion writer Goldman (The Search for God at Harvard, 1991) scans the remarkable range of ways in which contemporary American Jews express their religious identity, affirming both pluralism and continuity. Sections headed “Jewish Life,” “The Jewish Year,” and “The Jewish Day” discuss life-cycle events, holidays, and daily acts of worship. Chapters offer brief histories, descriptions of traditional rituals, and permutations of practice to underline Goldman’s assertion that “Jewish teaching is not monolithic.” Rabbinic interpretations, personal memories, and meditations are tossed into the mix. The summaries of history and tradition are too sketchy to serve much purpose, and the intended audience shifts from one page to the next; while thumbnail sketches labeled “The Basics” are apparently aimed at readers unfamiliar with Judaism, the witty, tongue-in-cheek depictions of individual takes on tradition seem meant to spark interdenominational dialogue among observant Jews. Not a manual, a documented study, or a polemic, this account has an odd waywardness, like a New York Times Magazine article stretched to book length. But the interesting sidelights, clever quips, and sweet, off-the-cuff insights just keep coming. Goldman’s strong suit is not the historical or how-to information readily available in more substantial manuals, but highlighted sections labeled “Variations on a Theme,” which present idiosyncratic observations substantiating the principle that “a little anarchy can be healthy.” Goldman takes seriously his mandate to represent actual Jewish practice, rather than abstract ideals: thus, the section on observance of dietary laws does not stop at Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, and Reconstructionist principles—but also covers “people who observe a fifty-mile kashrut rule” (by following dietary laws when close to home, but waiving them while on vacation, especially in a region noted for its seafood) and the celebrated Chinese-food exception.
Not the comprehensive discussion that its subtitle would lead one to expect, but an endearingly smart and affectionate depiction of the healthy chaos of contemporary Jewish life. (Illustrations)Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2000
ISBN: 0-684-82389-6
Page Count: 288
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2000
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Worthwhile reference stuffed with facts and illustrations.
A compendium of charts, time lines, lists and illustrations to accompany study of the Bible.
This visually appealing resource provides a wide array of illustrative and textually concise references, beginning with three sets of charts covering the Bible as a whole, the Old Testament and the New Testament. These charts cover such topics as biblical weights and measures, feasts and holidays and the 12 disciples. Most of the charts use a variety of illustrative techniques to convey lessons and provide visual interest. A worthwhile example is “How We Got the Bible,” which provides a time line of translation history, comparisons of canons among faiths and portraits of important figures in biblical translation, such as Jerome and John Wycliffe. The book then presents a section of maps, followed by diagrams to conceptualize such structures as Noah’s Ark and Solomon’s Temple. Finally, a section on Christianity, cults and other religions describes key aspects of history and doctrine for certain Christian sects and other faith traditions. Overall, the authors take a traditionalist, conservative approach. For instance, they list Moses as the author of the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Hebrew Bible) without making mention of claims to the contrary. When comparing various Christian sects and world religions, the emphasis is on doctrine and orthodox theology. Some chapters, however, may not completely align with the needs of Catholic and Orthodox churches. But the authors’ leanings are muted enough and do not detract from the work’s usefulness. As a resource, it’s well organized, inviting and visually stimulating. Even the most seasoned reader will learn something while browsing.
Worthwhile reference stuffed with facts and illustrations.Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2005
ISBN: 978-1-5963-6022-8
Page Count: -
Publisher: N/A
Review Posted Online: May 23, 2010
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
This a book of earlier, philosophical essays concerned with the essential "absurdity" of life and the concept that- to overcome the strong tendency to suicide in every thoughtful man-one must accept life on its own terms with its values of revolt, liberty and passion. A dreary thesis- derived from and distorting the beliefs of the founders of existentialism, Jaspers, Heldegger and Kierkegaard, etc., the point of view seems peculiarly outmoded. It is based on the experience of war and the resistance, liberally laced with Andre Gide's excessive intellectualism. The younger existentialists such as Sartre and Camus, with their gift for the terse novel or intense drama, seem to have omitted from their philosophy all the deep religiosity which permeates the work of the great existentialist thinkers. This contributes to a basic lack of vitality in themselves, in these essays, and ten years after the war Camus seems unaware that the life force has healed old wounds... Largely for avant garde aesthetes and his special coterie.
Pub Date: Sept. 26, 1955
ISBN: 0679733736
Page Count: 228
Publisher: Knopf
Review Posted Online: Sept. 19, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 1955
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