SEARCHING FOR MY BROTHERS

JEWISH MEN IN A GENTILE WORLD

by Jeffrey K. Salkin ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 25, 1999

A fine contribution to both the emerging fields of men’s studies and the more popular, accessible branch of Jewish studies. Salkin, a Long Island—based congregational rabbi and author of Putting God on Your Guest List: How to Reclaim the Spiritual Meaning of Your Child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah and of Being God’s Partner, establishes Judaism as a counter-tradition to the general culture’s conception of masculinity. Thus, as opposed to the rugged individualism of the “Marlboro man,” it emphasizes brains and speech instead of brawn and action, and ethical behavior in lieu of individual achievement. The real Jewish man, Salkin states, is a mensch in his business practices, speech, and family life. Nor is he afraid to be as emotionally vulnerable as his model, the ultimate Jewish Father; Salkin includes a rabbinic story of God weeping after the destruction of the Jews” Temple by the Romans. At times, this “feminine” focus on the intellectual, ethical, and emotive has been a problem for real Jewish boys, adolescents, and men, although Zionism, with its championing of “muscular Judaism,” and the military exploits of the State of Israel, has provided an important corrective. Salkin also shows how Jewish teachings promote a healthy, balanced perspective towards ambition, work, women, and sex. He does so by drawing extensively upon the Torah and upon the short rabbinic homiletic narratives known as midrashim, as well as upon personal, family, and congregational anecdotes. Salkin’s popularization inevitably leads to some simplification, as when he states that “Jews had lived their lives for centuries in Europe . . . through the patterns of docility and acquiescence.” Far more often, however, he beautifully integrates texts or anecdotes with a discussion of some aspect of Jewish masculinity. He has particularly excellent chapters on two male Jewish rites of passage: the bris (circumcision) and the Bar Mitzvah. And he writes fluidly and crisply throughout. His book contains no rhetorical or narrative fat; it is—a rare achievement these days—just the right length. Given the rich array of texts he marshals, Salkin should appeal not only to many Jewish men—and women—but also to others who seek guidance on becoming a mensch of a man.

Pub Date: Oct. 25, 1999

ISBN: 0-399-14573-7

Page Count: 256

Publisher: Putnam

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 1999

Categories: PHILOSOPHY & RELIGION