It's a Mitzvah

It's obviously meant for kids and why the book is in such a large format is something of a mystery, but the content is good, if sometimes simplistic. The section on visiting the sick was especially good--the section on the Sabbath, not so much. It also seems to be for kids just coming of age and facing observance for the first time, or families who haven't been observant and are trying to become more observant. It gives ways of easing into observance, e.g. "Try doing this one thing and then later add this other thing, and then maybe this next thing--but just doing that first thing is good enough." While I'm not sure I agree with all of his "this is good enoughs," who am I to argue with Artson, and having several different ways of fulfilling a commandment is very good. The pictures are hilariously out-dated, but since the mitzvot don't change, the pictures don't matter and anything R. Bradley Shavit Artson writes is worth reading, in my opinion.

My rabbi is using this book in our Basic Judaism class and it’s very interesting and informative.

This book seems like a great idea -- jump into following more commandments, one at a time. So why don't I like it? Well, because there *are* connections between the various mitzvot, and this book ignores them.A very wise rabbi once said to me, "There are only two correct answers to a question about whether you follow a particular mitzvah: 'yes" and 'not yet'." This book seems like it addresses this very issue: how does one begin? But the book focuses on each individual piece of halakhah as though it exists in isolation, which of course, none of it does. The book feels very scattered, distractingly so.So if you are looking for a way to start practicing any particular mitzvah, this book may help you with suggestions for how to start at a walk, rather than running flat-out. But if you want a road map to a more observant life, you will find it lacking in a cohesive approach, or plan.

Recommended highly by my (Conservative) Rabbi, at the beginning of my conversion to Conservative Judaism. I enjoyed this book but was somewhat surprised by the lack of new knowledge in it, for me. Is it worth the price? Maybe, maybe not. I kept it and have read it once, but fail to appreciate any long-term need for it within my Jewish library. I think I will soon donate it to the library at my Shul.

Excellent and gentle introduction to an observant lifestyle. I highly recommend this.

I should have done more research prior to odering this book Good for middle school age or high school readers.

A great overview of Judaism and its culture of giving and family!

My husband and I are considering coverting to Judaism and our Rabbi suggested this book as an introductory resource for learning about mitzvah's and the Jewish way of life. Very helpful and easy to read!

A nice book explaining the origins and the real meanings of the mitzvot, a nice educational read for someone who wants to learn a bit more about Judaism in depth.

Das Buch liefert gute, alltagstaugliche Anregungen. Es macht wirklich Spaß darin zu lesen! Leider ist es etwas unhandlich, sonst würde ich es gern auch unterwegs öfter benutzen. Wer sich - besonders als vielleicht etwas "synagogen-fernerer" Jude dem Glauben ganz praktisch nähern möchte, scheint mir mit diesem Buch gut bedient.

Livro muito didático, muito prático e organizado. É um passo-a-passo progressivo e com muitos insights e dicas interessantes. Estimulante para a prática das mitzvot.Book very didactic , very practical and organized. It is a progressive step-by- step and with many insights and interesting tips . Stimulant for the practice of mitzvot .

I would love to see an updated version of this, with a new cover and new illustrations.

For Jews and Goyim alike, a very helpful and insightful look into how the Jewish philosophy of life actually works in a concrete, behavioral way. Clear, easy to read and yes, inspiring.