To Life! : A Celebration of Jewish Being and Thinking

Rating:
Summary: Good intro that will inspire you to learn more
Review: To Life! is a heartfelt book that serves as an introduction to anyone who wants to get reacquainted with Judaism and reconnect with its roots and core ideas; it's meant as a book for anyone, even non-Jews who want to get an idea of what Judaism is about. Keep in mind that Kushner is a rabbi from Judaism's Conservative movement, so the perspective you're getting is largely from his take on Jewish observance and belief, though he does make efforts to show you the Reform and Orthodox perspectives as well. And more importantly, he conveys to you certain ideas, cultural values, and beliefs that tie all Jews together, regardless of their level of observance.

He covers the holidays, the Jewish approach to life's milestones (including a very poignant section on loss), the Torah and some of the rationale behind its regulations, and also the Jewish approach to some great moral and theological questions. The book is not meant to give you all the answers, but to inspire you to think and do more reading and more searching. Kushner writes with a full heart and an open mind; this is a man who has lived through difficult and painful experiences, and yet still takes joy in life, as Judaism encourages one to do - to make holy and blessed the ordinary moments of life.

Rating:
Summary: The best book of its kind available
Review: What a marvelous book! Rabbi Kushner has rekindled my love for Judaism! His book is the finest introduction to Judaism I have read. He doesn't simply explain what happens at various holidays or life-cycle events; he offers insightful, stimulating commentary and candid personal opinions. Show me another book about Judaism in which the writer states that he believes most synagogues are built wrong. (In most synagogues, the members of the congregation face the "professionals"--a seating arrangement that invites passivity rather than group participation!)
Rabbi Kushner's book may not be the ideal introduction to Judaism for everyone (if I may judge from some of the luke-warm reviews written below). His liberal theological views--influenced by Mordechai Kaplan, the founder of Reconstructionist Judaism--will not appeal to more traditionally minded Jews and Christians. For instance, Kushner does not accept the literal truth of the Bible, although he acknowledges, quite eloquently, that stories in the Bible (and Shakespeare's plays) may be "true" even if the events they depict never really happened because the stories say something valid about what it means to be human.
Among books that offer an introduction to Judaism (many of which are stuffed to the brim with facts and thoughts, but fall short on feelings), this one stands out because it engages the heart and soul as well as the mind. A delightful and inspiring read!