The Outsider's Guide to Orthodox Judaism

Chapter titles and numbers are at the end of book (ch. 40)

Rabbi Singer (or can I call you Arnie or Rabbi Arnie), I have been an practicing Jew all my life (Modern Orthodox) and although I know the information in your guide, I can honestly say I have never seen such a concise, fluid, and quite comprehensive compilation of Orthodox Jewish life (beliefs, traditions, etc.) in one volume (in English).

Not only that, it is quite easy to read and follow (and you even find a way to sneak in some humor too).

I would say that this is 'required' reading not only for anyone who wants to know more about Orthodox Judaism (regardless of their background), but for all Jews too (of all levels of religiousity) to simply learn more about their own religious faith, heritage, history, and customs.

So, I say to you Rabbi Arnie, 'Yashar Koach' (which means something like 'well done', but with a little more oomph!

I am BACKING it with pleasure and adding it to my bookshelf as well.

Yonatan Sredni

- and if you have a chance, check out my 'Sukkah of Dreams' collection - I have a feeling you will enjoy it!

Thanks for taking the time to comment. I wrote this guidebook with a very specific purpose and audience in mind (see the intro). It is a book that an orthodox Jew can give a coworker or employer, to answer some of the questions that they will inevitably have regarding the things they will see and experience. Except for the "beliefs" section, I only wrote about the things that would be seen or experienced by the "outsider". That's why I didn't include a discussion of mikvah or many other aspects of Judaism that an "outsider" would not come into contact with. Unfortunately, the aspect of a bar/bat mitzvah that is the most visible to an "outsider" is the party!
There are many different views of what Judaism, and orthodox judaism, is. I presented mine, which is based on a pretty traditional background and education. I would recommend anyone who wants a more thorough study to read one of the hundreds of books available in English. For those who only want to invest a few minutes of their time while riding the subway, or who simply want a quick answer to prevent an awkward question, I think "The Outsider's Guide" has the "right stuff!" Lechaim!!

I was recommended this book by Djedra and am astonished by how much I am enjoying discovering all about Judaism. Living in England I have only met one orthodox jew (as far as I know) I have read to chapter 18. This is clear and concise writing that brings alive the religion for me.

Clear, well-written book. Please note that I have not read it entirely.

Some of your chapters seem incomplete. I find it hard to believe you have no further comments on "gender roles" and that you do not acknowledge why orthodox have a reputation for being a sexist community and explain that in greater detail.

I also cannot believe you do not touch upon the Jewish tradition of turning converts away the first several times they attempt to change so that the Jewish community knows the person really wants to join the tribe. There is no discussion on children of mixed marriages and their conversion expectations. Also, the Mikvah ritual should be explained.

I feel that if you're going to write this book, you may as well be completely honest and describe everything to your professional extent. You are a Rabbi, so this should not be difficult.

On another note, I found it disappointing to being the Bar/Bat Mitzvah chapter with reference to parties. I would expect, especially from an Orthodox Rabbi, to read about being called to the Torah first, as this is the actual important part and the party is just a celebration of that fact.

The truth is, I do not see a true Orthodox viewpoint here. This is a terrific start, there is an aspect of well-roundness, stereotype acknowledgment and explanation, along with a general feel of completeness that is missing.

I know it may sound harsh, but I believe that constructive critique is the most productive way to improve your work.

It is amazing for me to disover how little I know about a religion that I would consider quite familiar to me. I'm really enjoying this and, were it published, I would go out and buy it.
As a fan of Philosophy and Theology in general, I am often drawn to books that go into these questions of religion even more deeply, but since I am assuming this is a book for beginners, that is an unfair criticism. The concise style makes it easily readable and, already I find I can flip through the chapters and pick out pieces of information that are of interest to me. This functions well both as a stand-alone, cover-to-cover read and also as a reference book.
Great! It does everything the title promises. I'm putting you on my shelf. I want this book. Contact me when it is published please. (Seriously).

Of the various books outlining Judaism that I have read, this is the best: clearest, simplest and most complete.

My only reservation about it is that, although most of its statements are timeless and therefore useful to the historical writer, some things have changed with time. The most obvious example is reference to the use of potato in cooking. However it also applies to matters of belief, the concept of the soul and the afterlife having evolved. My understanding is that one of the divisions between Jews in the time of the Second Temple (including the time of Jesus) was that the Pharisees believed that God's justice required a resurrection to deliver rewards and punishments, whereas the Sadducees were happy to believe that they would not be called to account after death.

There are a couple of very typos or missing words in the text, but overall I consider this a better and more readable reference work on orthodox Judaism than anything I have seen on the market. I will read it cover to cover more than once.

A very useful book! Backed.

What an valuable and useful book to have. I would buy this straightaway. It's enjoyable to read, colloquial and friendly and even gently humorous, now and then (I refer the reader to the brief Ch. 10, 'Beliefs: Gender Equality,' and the charming description of Purim, Ch. 32.) The straightforwardness and kindliness of the author are manifest in the whole excerpt I read (first ten chapters, plus some skipping around.)

Backed with pleasure. I had just a few notes and questions:

In 'Beliefs - Torah' the second paragraph refers to the Talmud as the "Oral Torah." Is the Talmud considered part of the Torah? If so, the first statement of the section is not quite clear, and should state that Torah is a word used to describe both works (?) I ask because I have always been confused about the content of these two works and the relationship between them.

It would be helpful (especially to gentile readers) when the first instance of the word "bible" occurs in the 3rd paragraph, if a more comprehensive description of the meaning of this word in Orthodox Jewish practice were provided.

("... set table," is this as in mathematical table, or dining table?)

If "Talmud" is supposed to be capitalized there is a typo in the fourth para.

Ch. 1, 'in its entirety' (possessive its has no apostrophe) same error in 'Body, Soul, Afterlife' second para., in 'Messiah' second para., 'Israel' second and third para.

"to fulfill, the true purpose of creation." (comma should be omitted here.)

'Gender Equality' last sentence "they're" should be "their."

Thanks for your support. I just uplloaded the chapter headings and numbers, at the end of the book (ch. 40)

Chapter titles and numbers are at the end of book (ch. 40)

OUTSIDER'S GUIDE TO ORTHODOX JUDAISM (Rabbi Arnie Singer)
Like most persons brought up reading the Bible, I had a passing interest in the Jewish faith. This was extended by an unexpected vicarious participation in the 1967 war that opened up Jerusalem, but became more acute when writing an historical novel with a central character of a benign Jewish money lender and his physician daughter. Then I realised my need tio learn much much more.
A book of this kind will be helpful to the ordinary person who wishes to know about the guy who works in the office with him, as the rabbi says, but in the particular case of the Authonomy readers will help them flesh out their novels and avoid pitfalls.
It would be helpful to have a chapter heading at the beginning of the book, since this is more likely to be used as a work of reference than to be read straight through.
I wish the author success, and although I don't see it getting its star on ED, I do see it getting published. The yellow star is perhaps symbolic of both Authonomy and the book, though I forget how many points.
mch