To Be a Jew

by Hayim Halevy Donin
To Be a Jew cover
Good Books rating 3.42
History, Identity, Culture, Sociology
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Technical
  • ID: 8064
  • Added: 2025-12-20
  • Updated: 2025-12-20
  • Published: 1972-01-01
  • Reviews: 3

To be a Jew offers a profound exploration of Jewish identity, blending personal stories with historical context. It delves into the experiences of Jewish individuals across different eras and regions, highlighting their struggles, triumphs, and contributions to society. /n/n This book is not just a historical account but a celebration of Jewish culture, traditions, and resilience. It provides a deeper understanding of what it means to be Jewish in a world that has often been both hostile and welcoming.

Reviews
Amazon · 2020-01-01
excellent 4.75

This book provides an excellent insight into Jewish observance and the meaning behind it. It is well-written and informative.

This book is a comprehensive guide to Jewish observance, offering a deep understanding of what it means to be Jewish. The author meticulously explains the rituals and customs, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in Jewish practices. The clarity and depth of the information make it a standout guide for both beginners and those looking to deepen their knowledge.

Quick quotes

    A well written book that gives an excellent insight into what it means to be Jewish and how Torah is obeyed.

    In this masterful book, the late Rabbi Donin meticulously and painstakingly collected, classified, and analyzed a multitude of Halakhot that are relevant to the ...

    Embraced over many decades by hundreds of thousands of readers, To Be a Jew offers a clear and comprehensive introduction to traditional Jewish laws and customs ...

Reddit - Jewish · 2020-01-01
helpful 3.50

This book is a helpful reference for learning basic prayers and blessings in Hebrew. It is recommended for lifelong use.

Many readers find this book to be an invaluable resource for learning the basics of Jewish prayers and blessings. The detailed explanations and practical guidance make it a useful tool for anyone looking to incorporate these practices into their daily life. The book's clarity and comprehensiveness have made it a go-to reference for many.

Quick quotes

    It helped me learn the basic prayers and blessings in Hebrew on food and drinks.

    I recommend having this book for a lifelong reference.

    Enjoy the journey of learning and growing in your Jewish practice with this book.

Goodreads · Anonymous · 2020-01-01
unhelpful 2.00

This book was unhelpful for the reviewer due to a clash of worldviews, but it might be valuable for others.

The reviewer found this book unhelpful in their exploration of religious Judaism, citing a clash of worldviews as the reason. However, they acknowledge that the book might be valuable for others who are looking for a different perspective. The detailed explanations and comprehensive coverage of Jewish laws and customs are noted, but the reviewer's personal experience with the book was not positive.

Quick quotes

    I read this book early in my exploration of religious judaism, and found it entirely unhelpful.

    However, I suspect mostly it is a clash of worldviews.

    Hayim Donin's work is thorough and comprehensive, but it may not resonate with everyone.

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