Gateway to Judaism: The What, How, and Why of Jewish Life

Rabbi Mordechai Becher
Shaar Press (2005)
ISBN 1422600300
Reviewed by Tammy Petty Conrad for Reader Views (2/06)

Rabbi Becher has responded to frequent requests for a book on all aspects of Judaism by creating this useful volume. As a scholar and lecturer on Judaism, he could always provide lengthy lists of books on different areas within the topic. But he never felt there was one book that included everything, so he wrote one himself. His engaging style encourages curious readers to learn more about this religion.

In Gateway to Judaism, sections include the Cycle of Life, which covers various transitions explaining the rituals observed and the history behind them. He moves on to a detailed discourse of the holidays throughout the Jewish year. Rabbi Becher continues by explaining the importance of the Torah, their holy book, and the role of the synagogue in the life of a Jew. He ends with a section titled Self, which features individual behavior including dietary laws and prayer, as well as other daily practices. No detail is left out from learning about specific prayers for each festival to the foods prepared for each ritual.

Many of the festivals and ceremonies were already familiar to me, but I didn’t always know the history or significance of an event. Rabbi Becher makes a point of also explaining why the rules and regulations are still practical, demonstrating the relevancy of Judaism in today’s world. I particularly enjoyed his use of a “fabricated” family, the Levy’s, to show how they would participate in a holiday or ritual in their home. Although this is no college textbook, there are plenty of footnotes for those who want further information as well as a glossary, a recommended reading list divided by topic and a chapter devoted to organizations and Web sites where even more information can be obtained.

This engaging book is truly a compilation of all things Jewish and a gift for anyone seeking to learn more about the religion. It should be recommended reading for not only Jews, but members of other faiths as well, since information opens the gate to understanding.

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