Rating: 
Summary: A superb, inspiring book for anyone
Review: All of these reviewers are right on the money about this book. It's absolutely terrific. It makes you want to live in ways more worthy of your deepest values--and shows some ways that you can do so. It makes ethical living utterly sensible, if not easy. In the somewhat Balkanized world of religious books, in which "Jewish" books speak to Jews, "Christian" books to Christians, this book builds bridges. I suspect it would even make sense to my decidely secular, Christian dad. If you even THINK you should have this book, get it. And share it with someone. Telushkin would like that, I bet.
Rating:
Summary: In allignment with my values
Review: As someone in the process of becoming a Jew by Choice, I am frequently asked why I was drawn to Judiasm. I've found the best way to answer that question is to send those friends a copy of this book. After reading it, they've uniformly said, "Now, I understand." The values Telushkin so eloquently explains in this book resonate with anyone in search of integrity. A real compass for ethical living. A book to read and re-read.
Rating:
Summary: Great format, good book, easy reading
Review: As usual Rabbi Telushkin writes a book that is informative, written in a way that assumes that you have no background on the subject yet will hold you if you are an expert, and is highly interesting. The format of the book is that you are given a short chapter (a page or two) and you are expected to read one chapter a day. This way the information will better stick with you. You work on one small addition to your life or outlook a day. These are great short essays on Jewish ethics. Do you know what an employee owes to his employer? Can/should a Jew be an organ donor? Did you know the prayer that one should say when leaving the bathroom (and do you know why it is done)? Is it ever ok to lie? Why gossip is against Jewish law. One frequent theme is respect of others. This book contains many essays that help one live a moral, ethical life, and while based in Halacha (Jewish law) is applicable to non-Jews as well. Rabbi Telushkin is well versed in the subject matter as Jewish law is very concerned with ethics and living in a moral and ethical manner. Rabbi Telushkin is expert in Jewish law after having studied under some of the greatest minds in late 20th century Orthodox Judaism at Yeshiva Univeristy.
Rating: 
Summary: almost flawless (more like 4.8 stars)
Review: I agree with the favorable comments of other reviewers. The only reason I don't give this book 5 stars is that a few of Rabbi Telushkin's snippets (no more than half a dozen) skate onto broader issues of social policy that he is not quite an expert in. For example, he complains that in America every accident becomes a lawsuit -- yet in fact American law generally provides no damages at all for accident victims unless (a) the defendant is negligent or (b) a defective product or unusually hazardous activity (such as blasting) is involved. (My impression, based on Rabbi Telushkin's writings, is that Jewish law is actually MORE pro-plaintiff in this regard). And the question of giving to panhandlers involves difficult issues where, as in most of America, the affluent part of the population can avoid the problem by moving to suburbs. (Telushkin is 100% pro giving to panhandlers; I am on the fence). But these are minor quibbles: I still recommend this book to . . . well, to all human beings.
Rating:
Summary: almost flawless (more like 4.8 stars)
Review: I agree with the favorable comments of other reviewers. The only reason I don't give this book 5 stars is that a few of Rabbi Telushkin's snippets (no more than half a dozen) skate onto broader issues of social policy that he is not quite an expert in. For example, he complains that in America every accident becomes a lawsuit -- yet in fact American law generally provides no damages at all for accident victims unless (a) the defendant is negligent or (b) a defective product or unusually hazardous activity (such as blasting) is involved. (My impression, based on Rabbi Telushkin's writings, is that Jewish law is actually MORE pro-plaintiff in this regard). And the question of giving to panhandlers involves difficult issues where, as in most of America, the affluent part of the population can avoid the problem by moving to suburbs. (Telushkin is 100% pro giving to panhandlers; I am on the fence). But these are minor quibbles: I still recommend this book to . . . well, to all human beings.
Rating:
Summary: This book will literally change your life for the better...
Review: I am ashamed to admit how much hatred I had within my own heart and how perilously close I was coming to the abyss of darkness. But somehow in a way I still don't understand, this book started to part the darkness with a pure and clean light. It will do so much to change your outlook and your thoughts and words and deeds and actions. I fought this book tooth and nail because deep down I really didn't want to change the way I had become. But this book kept calling me back and I would grudgingly read a chapter or two and find myself thinking and feeling in ways that I haven't for some time. I really don't mean for this to become embarassingly revelational but what I'm trying to do is to convince the person who may be reading this and who needs a little more convincing that they need to just click the "Buy with one-click button" and get this book. It really will bring you closer towards being the kind of person you would really want to be. Try this book, read a couple of chapters, and see if it helps you. If it does, great - keep reading; if not, just send it back, but I guarantee that eventually you'll re-order it.
Rating:
Summary: life-changing
Review: I can describe this book in one hyphenated word, life-changing. You can read it straight through or follow its wise prescriptions one day at time. Either way it will have a profound, positive impact on you. It has on me. I have always loved Rabbi Telushkin's books, but this is my new favorite. Read one chapter a day and feel your life change -- for the better.
Rating:
Summary: Words of wisdom for everyone; great teaching; easy to read
Review: I cannot think of a more superb book to inspire contemplation of ethics, spirituality and values. I was already a fan of Rabbi Joseph Telushkin's writing when a long-time buddy of mine gave me "The Book of Jewish Values" as a gift. Before I even opened it, I knew I had a gem. Very simply, Rabbi Telushkin's writing is direct, concise, up-to-date and easy to understand. Also ... important! You don't have to be Jewish (I'm not) to appreciate the relevance of the ethical guidelines on which the author elaborates. For each day of the year (excluding the Shabbat) one of a broad range of issues is discussed and highlighted either anecdotally through quotes by other noted Rabbis or supported by reference to important Jewish literature (e.g., the laws of the Torah and Talmud). You probably won't find 300+ issues applicable to your life, but every page is worthwhile reading nevertheless. The most pertinent and/or interesting topics to me were the ones involving relationships, charity, kindness, and speech. The book's format is suited to every kind of reading habit, so go at whatever pace you like. Each day is comprised of 1-3 pages, with cross-referencing where related discussion appears elsewhere in the book. Also, footnotes can be found on the same page where a reference is cited (I appreciate this) so you don't have to turn to the back of the book to check a source. In the event you do turn to the back, you'll find a decent glossary, bibliography and index. Whether your intention is to learn or to simply bolster your moral convictions, I give this book my highest recommendation.
Rating:
Summary: Words of wisdom for everyone; great teaching; easy to read
Review: I cannot think of a more superb book to inspire contemplation of ethics, spirituality and values. I was already a fan of Rabbi Joseph Telushkin's writing when a long-time buddy of mine gave me "The Book of Jewish Values" as a gift. Before I even opened it, I knew I had a gem. Very simply, Rabbi Telushkin's writing is direct, concise, up-to-date and easy to understand. Also ... important! You don't have to be Jewish (I'm not) to appreciate the relevance of the ethical guidelines on which the author elaborates. For each day of the year (excluding the Shabbat) one of a broad range of issues is discussed and highlighted either anecdotally through quotes by other noted Rabbis or supported by reference to important Jewish literature (e.g., the laws of the Torah and Talmud). You probably won't find 300+ issues applicable to your life, but every page is worthwhile reading nevertheless. The most pertinent and/or interesting topics to me were the ones involving relationships, charity, kindness, and speech. The book's format is suited to every kind of reading habit, so go at whatever pace you like. Each day is comprised of 1-3 pages, with cross-referencing where related discussion appears elsewhere in the book. Also, footnotes can be found on the same page where a reference is cited (I appreciate this) so you don't have to turn to the back of the book to check a source. In the event you do turn to the back, you'll find a decent glossary, bibliography and index. Whether your intention is to learn or to simply bolster your moral convictions, I give this book my highest recommendation.
Rating:
Summary: An outstanding moral guide
Review: I have been rereading this book for several weeks now, and each day discovering new moral truths. Rabbi Telushkin's great learning is complemented by his warm and down- to- earth approach. He supplies examples from everyday life that instruct us as to the right and moral way to act. He does this out of what is revealed to be a profound Jewish faith and understanding.
If I have one criticism of this book it is not that it so American - centered but rather that it is so diaspora- centered, and thus does not include consideration of very different kinds of moral challenges Jews in Israel have to face. But on the whole I believe this book can be of real help to human beings any and everywhere in understanding how to be better human beings.
|
