Judaism's Ten Best Ideas: A Brief Guide for Seekers

I wasn’t born Jewish but have a deep appreciation of tradition involving morality and how we can hold onto principles that have served us effectively in the past, present and in the future. This book can get tedious following the many customs the Jewish people adopted over many years but at the same time, it’s important to study the historical importance of why these ‘laws’ were needed at those historical times. But don’t get inundated with detailed examples of these practices because this author explains the strategy of questioning everything we do. Questioning things is essential but it helps when we have an anchor that we can hold onto when things get blurred.

This book is an elucidating and inspiring delight. It is a breezy tour through what Judaism has to offer the world. That does not mean it lacks in depth. It celebrates the joy and vitality the Jewish faith brings to life. I am a Christian pastor deeply in love with the Old Testament (Tanakh) and the Jewish faith and people. Dr. Green highlights the elements of the Jewish faith which enrich Jewish people, Christians, and we would hope the world over. Reading his book as a Christian pastor I know it will enliven my preaching by inculcating those wonderful, delightful, living, joyful, aspects of Judaism. And as icing on the cake, the book elevates the demands of G_d's justice and righteousness without which the world is bankrupt.Rev Dr Fred Mueller

Arthur Green has an ability to distill down key ideas and here his fresh takes on essential ideas is welcome. In some sense, this is almost more for non-Jews or converts, but Green's style keeps it engaging nonetheless. My only complaint is that this avoids some of the harder issues of Jewish faith, but that criticism seems to be asking the book to be a different book. For those who want an overview of religious judaism, this is a good place to start.

Nice idea but the author can't help but put in the politics of the left (like the environmental movement). Religion should guide our politics, not the other way around.

Pretty good summary of some important concepts. Some of it is very basic and appeals to a particular political viewpoint rather than sticking to the religion, but it is a good summary.

This book is very friendly to Jews and non-Jews alike. Being a non-Jew myself, I felt Green did an excellent job explaining Judaism and its main theologies from the ground up in a comprehensible way. The book is a light, interesting read. Very much worth it.

As Rabbi Green mentions in this wonderful book, I was one of those children who went to Hebrew school and got nothing out of it that I didn't get at home, and so for many years Judaism has seemed barren to me. But Rabbi Green has at last introduced me to the ethos that has been invisible to me all this time. Wonder of wonders! Judaism at last has a meaning for me...one that I can embrace and take joy in!

I'm working with a group of spiritual seekers and I have been looking for a book that covers the essentials of Judaism in a meaningful way. This book is perfect and I can't wait to use it with the class!

A well-written, accessible book for anyone interested in progressive Judaism.