On Being a Jew

James Kugel is the Starr Professor of Hebrew Literature at Harvard University and Professor of Bible at Bar Ilan University, Israel. He is the author of Poetry and Prophecy, Early Biblical Interpretation and The Idea of Biblical Poetry, the last available from Johns Hopkins. His The Bible as It Was, an introduction to the Torah's ancient interpreters, was published in 1997.

Ideal for students, parents, and rabbis, and those who wish to resolve what it means to be a Jew. Judaica News This book is more than a highly readable presentation of the basics of Judaism. It is a provocative and persuasive argument that the true meaning of being a Jew has been obscured for many Jews today as well as a stirring reflection on some of the deepest themes in Jewish practice and belief. Jewish Star A compelling introduction to being a religious Jew. Moment An honest, provocative and important work. Jewish Action For today's generation, this book is a necessary acquisition. Jewish Libraries Newsletter No apologist, and no fan of what he terms the 'halfway affair'of American Judaism, [Kugel] demonstrates the deepest continuities of Jewish history. Economist