How to Run a Traditional Jewish Household

I haven't read the book yet, which is over 1" thick. I don't keep a "traditional" home, much less a "traditional" ashkenazi (euro descent jewish) home, but it was a highly recommended book by a female author.The printing, however, needs to be fixed. This print is from 2022. The photos are not my camera needing to be cleaned or put in focus. The printing is like a very old jpg that has become unclear and pixellated. In the tan box of text on the cover, you can actually see how grainy and "artifact filled" the image is. The enlarged text portions are pixellated like the original page is an image enlarged in early 2000s MS Paint. I have to wonder if Simon + Schuster actually published this.

My Rabbi recommended me this book to assist me in my Orthodox Jewish conversion. Although I am just about halfway through the book, I have learned a lot! The author does a terrific job making Judaism practical. We read about all the rituals, and laws....but do we really understand its practical use? This book does so! My only criticism..... is that she does go into a little too much detail, to the extent of finding myself zoning out. The longest chapter, Chapter 1, is about Shabbos (roughly 40 pages). The author literally discusses, in great detail, how to prepare for Shabbos, Friday night rules/pleasures, all the way through Havdala on Saturday evening. This is especially great as it gives you a sense of "I understand the general flow of the day." However, there are times when she goes on a rant about her family as it relates to one specific topic. All in all, this is the perfect book! It includes Talmudic references, Sefer torah references, and some neat history. Another aspect I loved about this book is that the majority of the chapters get straight to the point and are about 10-20 pages. If you are considering conversion to Orthodox Judaism, or even want to study upon it, this book is for you! My Rabbi also recommended me: "Understanding Judaism" By Rabbi Benjamin Blech, and "The Book of Our Heritage" by Eliyahu Kitov. All three of these should get you started out on the right path. I will update this review accordingly after I have finished this book.

Good book. Not the best quality but I needed it fast, and it came right away. Thank you so much!

This is one of the books on the Sydney Beth Din's recommended reading list for conversion candidates. It stands out from the others because it is clearly written from a female perspective. There is a lot of overlap between this and another of their recommended books, Donin's "To Be a Jew", in regards to topics covered. Both books comprise of major sections addressing life stages, chagim and day-to-day living. The core information is the same, as it should be. So if you have already read that, you may not want this title because it goes over the same material. That said, I prefer this title though because of the anecdotes she relates as a wife and a mother, and opinions on things makes it less impersonal, and more warm and conversational. When I quickly need to check how to do something, out of all my texts, this is the title I reach for most frequently.

What I appreciated most about this book was its authenticity and delightful tone. There seems to be a spate of "Jewish" books out there written by people with PhDs who had a sudden desire to return to their Jewish roots. This means that they do "research" on Judaism, so that of course the book comes out sounding trite and fake. Two books that come to mind are "Living the Jewish life" by Anita Diamant and "Blessings of a Skinned Knee" by Wendy Mogel.This book, on the other hand, is written by an Orthodox Jew who lives and breathes Judaism. She was born into it and raised her five children into it. She knows what she's talking about and doesn't need to interview rabbis to lend her book more authenticity. She gives detailed and highly entertaining accounts of what it's like to live and run a traditional household. Plain and simple. There's no pretense or drama. Her writing style is engaging and her tone amicable. Reading this book is like sitting on a bench and talking to an Orthodox Jew about his lifestyle.

This is a must for anyone, regardless of the flavor of Judaism you practice, to learn more about running a Jewish home. The book is so much more than that though. The author brings the traditions to life with the love and gentleness of a mother. She does a wonderful job of not only teaching but inspiring.

This is a really good book and had been using it for years in my daily life, but had misplaced the one I had after moving a few years ago. Glad that I was able to find it here!

If there is an aspect of Jewish life, in the household or out, that you would like to know about, this book has it.It is clear that this was a labor of love, and Ms. Greenburg clearly tackled her task with love, good humour, and an accurate eye for details that would have escaped many writers.The text is interesting, well-written, flows well, gives you what you want to know or need to know, whether your are new to Judaism, coming back to your Jewish roots, a practicing Jew who wants to know more about living a more "kosher" life, or just for the gentile who wants to know all about Judaism.It is humourous where it's appropriate, serious where it's not, but the one thing it never is is boring. A most informative, enlightening and entertaining book. I can only say thanks, Blu, for writing such a great book.

Great book! An absolutely thorough overview of all traditions and actions. I love that some brachot (prayers) are included in both Hebrew and English. I can see this being a valuable reference for years to come. -A used book, but well cared for and easily added to my book collection!

great book to have in the kitchen, more info then you need, nice to read when bored toohighly recommend it om shabbats

Probably the lost informative book on Judaism I have bought this year

Great service, book as described in the advert.

Natürlich ersetzt das Buch nicht den Talmud und damit auch nicht das typische "Frag den Rabbi" (wer schon einmal versucht hat eine konkrete Antwort im Talmud zu finden ohne theologisch studiert zu haben, weiß, was ich meine), aber es bietet ganz praktischen Hinweise, wie was wann zu machen ist und weist dabei auch auf verschiedene religiöse Traditionen hin, obwohl das Buch deutlich orthodox ist. Ich benutze es fast täglich und bin wirklich glücklich damit - auch, wenn, wie von anderen Rezensoren bereits zu Recht erwähnt, nicht alles auf deutsche Verhältnisse 1 zu 1 übertragbar ist, da hier im allgemeinen die jüdische Infrastruktur weniger gut ist. Meine Empfehlung hat das Buch!