Living and Dynamic Judaism
B’nai Israel congregation in Petaluma has two adult education classes going, both taught by Rabbi Ted Feldman. The Introduction to Judaism started this Monday. For this class they are using “Living Judaism: The complete guide to Jewish belief, tradition & practice” by Rabbi Wayne Dosick. A few months ago an elderly, non-Jewish came to the library and asked for this very same book. Turns out a rabbi recommended it to him as the best starting point to get to know Judaism. If two different rabbis recommended it, it must be excellent, right? Here is the short description of the book from its cover:
Combining the worlds of quality scholarship and sacred spirit, Living Judaism is an engaging overview of the Jewish faith - a perfect introduction for people with little knowledge of Jewish history, tradition, or practice and an equally thought-provoking guide for those already steeped in Jewish life. Writing in language that is clear, simple, and direct, Rabbi Dosick makes complex ideas and issues easy to understand. This very same book was recommended by
Rabbi Feldman’s other class, “The Teachings of Rabbi Mordecai Kaplan, started last week, using Dynamic Judaism: The essential writings of Rabbi Mordecai M. Kaplan,” edited by Emanuel S. Goldsmith and Mel Scult. For those of us who did not know Rabbi Kaplan was the founder of Reconstructionist Judaism, who passed away at age 102 in 1980.
“Reconstructionism eschews belief in a supernatural deity but stresses the ethnicity, folkways, and cultural aspects of the Jewish faith. This intelligently organized anthology contains excerpts from Kaplan’s basic writings which elucidate his theology, teachings, and suggestions for the continuance and survival of the Jewish religion. An excellent introduction to Reconstructionism for general readers and should be in most Judaica collections.”
We have both books for your perusal.
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