Rabbi Hayim Halevy Donin (1928-1982) established himself as
an incomparable teacher and interpreter of Jewish laws and practice
through his classic books To Be a Jew, To Pray as a
Jew, and To Raise a Jewish Child, all published by Basic
Books. For twenty years he was Rabbi of Congregation B'nai David in
Southfield, Michigan, where he was also Adjunct Professor of Judaic
Studies at the University of Detroit. Rabbi Donin held a Ph.D. in
Education and was also the founder and president of the Akiva
Hebrew Day School in Detroit.
"A clear, concise, and cogent introduction to an exciting, vibrant,
and dynamic tradition, helpful for newcomer and old-timer
alike."--Rabbi Jacob J. Schacter, University Professor of Jewish
History and Jewish Thought and Senior Scholar at the Center for the
Jewish Future at Yeshiva University
"Both highly informative and inspiring. The eloquence of his
presentation will guide and direct both Jew and non-Jew to the
major texts that are at the foundation of Jewish life. Though
written from modern Orthodox point of view, this book is
indispensable to those committed to the Conservative and Reform
versions of Judaism."--Dr. Benjamin Z. Kreitman, founder of Masorti
Olami, the World Council of Conservative/Masorti Synagogues
"For a general discussion of Jewish living, To Be a Jew is
unexcelled. It is comprehensive and clear."--Ruth Frank and William
Wollheim, The Book of Jewish Books
"Rabbi Donin has, in a clear, concise, and easy to read manner,
revealed the basic laws, customs, and guiding principles of Judaism
to vast audiences. I have personally given away hundreds of copies
as gifts and enthusiastically welcome its reprinting."--Rabbi
Steven Dworkin, former executive vice president, Rabbinical Council
of America
"The republication of To Be a Jew is an occasion to
celebrate. In this masterful book, the late Rabbi Donin
meticulously and painstakingly collected, classified, and analyzed
a multitude of Halakhot that are relevant to the life cycle of
every Jew. The author succeeded in integrating a vast array of
seeming minutia--behavioral Halakhot--into an uplifting symphony
where 'all my bones' explode in a song of gratitude to the Ribbono
Shel Olam."--Rabbi Simcha Krauss, Young Israel of Hillcrest
"Without a doubt, To Be a Jew is one of the all time great
introductions to Judaism and is always on my short list of
recommended books."--Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald, National Jewish
Outreach Program
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