About the Author

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.

Reviews

"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