Edgar M. Bronfman's clarion call to a generation of secular, disaffected, and unaffiliated Jews, this book addresses the most critical question confronting Judaism worldwide.
Completed in December 2013, just weeks before he passed away, Why Be Jewish? expresses Edgar Bronfman's awe, respect, and deep love for his faith and heritage. Bronfman walks readers through the major tenets and ideas in Jewish life, fleshing out their meaning and offering proof texts from the Jewish tradition gleaned over his many years of study with some of the greatest teachers in the Jewish world.
With honesty, poignancy, and passion, Bronfman shares in Why Be Jewish? insights gleaned from his own personal journey and makes a compelling case for the meaning and transcendence of a secular Judaism that is still steeped in deep moral values, authentic Jewish texts, and a focus on deed over creed or dogma.
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"This book had me nodding my head and taking notes in the margin from the very first page. Edgar Bronfman . . . rightly points out that Judaism can be a powerful way to access the feeling of wonder about the universe, even for the most secular of us."
— A. J. Jacobs
This book is Edgar Bronfman's parting gift to his people-his legendary devotion in a new form. As he was with his deeds, so he is with his words: a prince of Jewish commitment.
— Leon WieseltierThis book is a must-have for anyone compelled to more deeply understand and love being Jewish.
— Mayim BialikEdgar Bronfman's book gives voice to so many of us who feels outside of the normal religious constructs but love Judaism. While I wish I had met him in person, this book made me feel like I was having a lifelong conversation with this very wise man.
— Tiffany Shlain, filmmakerThis moving and powerful testament demonstrates how much Judaism, with its intertwined concepts of freedom and responsibility, has to offer the thinking modern person in search of life's purpose. Read, and choose to stand at Sinai.
— Dara Horn, author of A Guide for the PerplexedI was blown away by the beauty of this book and whole-heartedly recommend it.
— Bruce Feiler, New York Times bestselling author of Walking the Bible and AbrahamBe the first to write a review about this audiobook!
Edgar M. Bronfman (1929–2013) was formerly CEO of the Seagram Company, Ltd, and was a renowned philanthropist supporting a wide variety of Jewish organizations. Mr. Bronfman was the foundation chairman of the international board of governors of Hillel and also president of the World Jewish Congress.
Rick Zieff has been immersed in the entertainment industry for over twenty-five years. His dynamic and entertaining coaching style makes him a sought-after lecturer throughout the country. He is a regular speaker at both the Showbiz Expo and Actorfest, and is a guest teacher at many popular LA acting workshops. He has narrated several audiobooks, including The Road to El Dorado and Toy Story.