Judaism Unraveled
Answers to the Most Challenging Questions About Judaism
How do we know G-d exists? • Why did G-d create the universe? • If G-d knows the future, how can we have free will? • Isn’t the concept of the “Chosen People” inherently racist? • Why do Orthodox Jews not accept conversions performed by other Jewish denominations? • How could the Torah sanction the killing of certain ancient non-Jewish peoples, such as the Amalekites? • Why does Judaism prohibit wine touched by a non-Jew? The first volume of Judaism Unraveled explores in-depth the most challenging questions ever asked about Judaism. Every topic about Judaism, no matter how controversial or complex is studied in an honest and candid manner that will appeal to all learners, regardless of their background. In the first volume of this essential series, questions involving the existence of G-d, purpose of life, free will, the Jewish People, and non-Jews are dissected, analyzed, and clarified. No stone is left unturned in this thoughtful and educational work. Readers will find their questions validated and voiced, and cohesive answers given with insight and deep understanding of Jewish tradition and its fundamental beliefs. The author references classic Jewish sources to bring forth the power of Jewish thought and practice. This is an indispensable resource that will prove valuable for years to come. Whether asking your first question or your thousandth, there is something for everyone in this timeless source of Jewish education. See for yourself the mystery of Judaism unraveled before your very eyes! About the Author: Rabbi Gavry Mandel studied at Aish HaTorah College of Jewish Studies in Jerusalem for five years. While there, he developed a very close relationship with its founder, Rabbi Noah Weinberg, of blessed memory. As a student of Rabbi Weinberg, he entered the field of Jewish education, teaching and staffing numerous programs run through Aish Jerusalem. Rabbi Mandel has been involved in Jewish education ever since, working with a number of organizations. He currently serves as a campus rabbi for Aish HaTorah’s branch in Toronto, active with the Jewish student body at universities in Toronto and London, Canada. Approbations: "An important contribution to our understanding of Jewish faith...in an age badly in need of its wisdom."
– Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, Former Chief Rabbi of the United Kingdom "I am extremely impressed with the scope of this work. I found the entries comprehensive, lucid, informative and interesting in style...I commend Rabbi Mandel, a successful outreach professional, for a monumental work that will benefit not only those seeking answers and explanations, but also provide solid information for those from whom answers and explanations are sought."
– Rabbi Zev Leff, Rabbi of Moshav Matityahu "Many people will become inspired with your serious understanding of Judaism. It is obvious that much work and thought developed this magnificent work."
– Rabbi Shmuel Kamenetsky, Dean of Talmudical Yeshiva of Philadelphia
– Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, Former Chief Rabbi of the United Kingdom "I am extremely impressed with the scope of this work. I found the entries comprehensive, lucid, informative and interesting in style...I commend Rabbi Mandel, a successful outreach professional, for a monumental work that will benefit not only those seeking answers and explanations, but also provide solid information for those from whom answers and explanations are sought."
– Rabbi Zev Leff, Rabbi of Moshav Matityahu "Many people will become inspired with your serious understanding of Judaism. It is obvious that much work and thought developed this magnificent work."
– Rabbi Shmuel Kamenetsky, Dean of Talmudical Yeshiva of Philadelphia
Dimensions | 6" x 9" |
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ISBN | 978-1-68025-230-9 |
Publisher | Feldheim Publishers |
Number of pages | 288 |
Item # | 7300 |
Binding type | Hard Cover |
Weight | 1.540000 lbs. |
Customer Reviews
- Ashke-phardic approved by me! easy, clear framework of questions.I absolutely loved this book. I read it over the holidays and couldn't put it down. I really appreciated the footnoting and further notations on where i could read more about particular topics and references to other book s and even their respective pages i.e. see pages 166-186 in such book. I loved the simple clarity of thought and explained arguments through simple yet not pushy language or politics.
I cannot wait to read volume 2! please publish ASAP.
The Non-Jews section and Intermarriage discussion was very interesting and deep. Although i didnt purchase the book looking for that i appreciated the clarity and depth and evolution of thought and questions & answers.
Wonderful book. Alot of references to The guid for the perplexed Rambam/Maimonidies and it cut through alot of density of reading that one (which i have tried and fialed but wil lnow tackle again with a clearer perspective from now reading your book).
This is not a new perspective on Judaism, this is more of a cataloguing of questions which should be asked and the foundations and answers through historical referencing both Jewish and non-jewish. I couldnt be happier. I just wish i could read volume 2! :)Posted on
- absolutely loved itfrom beginning to end i couldnt stop reading. readit in one day. Amazing book for the curious and very well footnoted. I wish there were more hebrew writing.
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- Judaism Unraveled covers, in five chapters, the following topics: God, the purpose of life, free will, the Jewish people, and non-Jews.The author’s intentions are that this will be the first volume in a series of four volumes. The next three volumes will each deal with seven fundamental topics that are intended to reveal further the vast dimensions of Jewish belief.
Each chapter opens with a list of the questions that it addresses, and each page provides footnotes. The volume concludes with a short index, including various Hebrew sources.
Rabbi Mandel presents the readers with the idea that Life’s purpose is, per Judaism, “to experience the greatest possible pleasure”. By logical analysis, Mandel shows that humans “strive to achieve the ultimate pleasure of connecting to the infinite”. Having actual “free-will choices” (“moral choices”), human beings are “like God and experience the reality of being an independent being”. The role of the Jewish people, as a chosen group, is “to serve as a light unto the nations”. Volume One of Judaism Unraveled is an outreach-educational volume that encourages in-depth discussions of common philosophical enquiries: What is the cause of anti-Semitism? How could the Torah sanction the killing of certain ancient non-Jewish peoples, such as the Amalekites? Does Judaism consider belief in Christianity or Islam acceptable? The book will make a valuable addition to Academic, as well as public, libraries and personal collections. After reading this first volume, I eagerly await what will come in the next three books.Posted on
- 10 starsGreat book
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