Why Jews Do That: Or 30 Questions Your Rabbi Never Answered

Description

A Fun Take on "Judaism for Dummies" that Will Answer All Questions Wondered by the Goyim and Jewish People Alike! When the subject of religion comes up, people often get very shy and are worried about offending. Now, if there was only a book that covered all the nooks and crannies of a religion, written in an easily digestible way... Well, now there is! Written by Rabbi Avram Mlotek, Why Jews Do That is a terrific look into the Jewish religion, answering all the tough questions you've been afraid to ask. But this isn't just for the Jews among us. Just because you're Catholic, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, or the like, doesn't mean you cannot enjoy an inside look to find out if Jews believe in Jesus, what kosher really is, and how we keep our yarmulkes secured to our heads. So have no fear, as Jews are here to help! Some of the tough questions answered by Rabbi Mlotek include: What's with Jews and candles? Do Jews have confession like Catholics? Why are Jews obsessed with food? Is sex kosher? What about marijuana? And much more! Why Jews Do That is your one-stop shop for answers to all the questions you wanted to know, but were too shy to ask. So whether you're a devout follower, a casual observer, someone marrying into the faith, or just interested in buffing up your Bible knowledge, Rabbi Mlotek will guide you through the challah, mitzvahs, and shiksas that make Jewish life so...lively.

Avram Mlotek is a rabbi, cantor, writer, and actor. In 2015, he co-founded Base Hillel, now operating in nine cities, and works as spiritual leader for its Manhattan location. The Forward has called him one of "America's Most Inspiring Rabbis" and the New York Jewish Week has called him a "leading innovator in Jewish life today." A grandchild of Holocaust refugees, Mlotek lives in New York City with his partner, Yael, and their children, Revaya, Hillel Yosl, and Shabtai. Faby Rodriguez is a graphic designer from Mexico. She has focused her career in print media, working in newspapers for both Mexico and more than ten states in the US. Follow her on Instagram at @favsdoodles. Jenny Young is an artist based in Philadelphia. She loves drawing dark and satirical cartoons commenting on modern politics, technology, and spirituality. Follow her on Instagram at @jennyyoungart.

"What's great about Avram Mlotek's Why Jews Do That is that it embraces all Jews from ultra-Reform to ultra-Orthodox, from Ashkenazim to Sephardim and beyond our faith as well. Whether we are observant or not, we've all been taught: ''live in the question'; how wonderful that Avram's book gives us answers to so many important ones--with humor and wisdom." --Tovah Feldshuh, actor, playwright, and author of Lilyville "What Steph Curry is to the three-pointer, Avram Mlotek is to rabbi-ing. Let him--and this book--be your guide to a deeper understanding of Judaism." --Bari Weiss, author of How to Fight Anti-Semitism and staff editor and writer for the New York Times "Learning basic information about Judaism is often ponderous and, as a result, many people never learn it. But in the capable, consistently accurate and sometimes irreverent hands of Avram Mlotek, the process becomes both fun and funny." --Rabbi Joseph Telushkin, author of the New York Times bestseller Rebbe and Jewish Literacy "Rabbi Avram Mlotek draws people into Jewish life with his enthusiasm, his warmth, his music, and his understanding that people are often embarrassed to ask even the most basic questions. Here, he makes those questions fun and accessible to all." --Eric Fingerhut, president, Jewish Federations of North America and past president of Hillel International "A book this good comes along only once in a millennial. . . . But then again, Avram Mlotek is one in a million. So as one who was shaped by the 1960's, I want to give this volume my highest rating, e.g., STEAL THIS BOOK." --Rabbi Irving "Yitz" Greenberg, author of The Jewish Way: Living The Holidays "Why Jews Do That is an example of the kind of approachable, wise, humorous, sensitive spirit its author embodies. We are thrilled to have Avram Mlotek as Rabbi-In-Residence at the Marlene Meyerson JCC of Manhattan. We look to him as an example of what it means to practice Judaism today: with honesty, intentionality, an open mind and heart." --Rabbi Joy Levitt, Executive Director of Marlene Meyerson JCC of Manhattan "If you want a 'Judaism for Dummies' with a shmear of snark and potty mouth, this is the book for you." --Jackie Hoffman, Emmy-nominated comedian and Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish's Yenta, the Matchmaker "Finally! A book about Jews written entirely in questions! Is that perfect? Reb Mlotek, adank for this bukh! (Thanks for this book!)" --Julie Klausner, creator and star of Hulu's Difficult People "As someone who has undergone a conversion journey to Judaism with Rabbi Avram, I can truly say that he is not an ordinary rabbi. And neither is this book. I highly recommend it to people who are seeking to learn Jewish fundamentals but in a modern, hip, and entertaining way." --Ruta Gyvyte, Lithuanian model and Instagram influencer "'Laughing is healthy! Doctors tell you to laugh!' said Shalom Aleichem. Here's a rabbi who knows, loves, and keeps the traditions--but reminds us to keep laughing. Enjoy his book!" --Rabbi Arthur Green, Rector, Hebrew College, author of Judaism for the World "With amazing creativity, Rabbi Avram Mlotek presents a lively and profound introduction to Jewish life. From 'HOW?' to 'WHY?' he gives us the warmth of living Judaism. This book is thrilling! --Susannah Heschel, Eli M. Black Distinguished Professor of Jewish Studies, Dartmouth College "Every student should seek a teacher like Avram Mlotek. Like all brilliant teachers, Rabbi Mlotek understands how people learn. He knows what questions intrigue them, and offers age-old Jewish responses in the most cutting-edge creative ways. Rush to buy this book. Read it and reread it. You will laugh and learn and demand more. I know I did!" --Rabbi Ammiel Hirsch, Senior Rabbi, Stephen Wise Free Synagogue, and author of One People, Two Worlds