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

By Avram Mlotek, Faby Rodriguez and Jenny Young

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.  

• Language: English
• Publisher: Skyhorse
• Release date: Aug 25, 2020
• ISBN: 9781510760509

Book preview

Praise for Why Jews Do That

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

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

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

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

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

For Revaya, Hillel Yosl, and Shabtai: keep the questions coming.

Copyright © 2020 by Avram Mlotek

Interior illustrations courtesy of Faby Rodriguez and Jenny Young

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any manner without the express written consent of the publisher, except in the case of brief excerpts in critical reviews or articles. All inquiries should be addressed to Skyhorse Publishing, 307 West 36th Street, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10018.

Skyhorse Publishing books may be purchased in bulk at special discounts for sales promotion, corporate gifts, fund-raising, or educational purposes. Special editions can also be created to specifications. For details, contact the Special Sales Department, Skyhorse Publishing, 307 West 36th Street, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10018 or [e-mail].

Skyhorse® and Skyhorse Publishing® are registered trademarks of Skyhorse Publishing, Inc.®, a Delaware corporation.

Visit our website at www.skyhorsepublishing.com.

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is available on file.

Cover design by Brian Peterson

Cover illustrations courtesy of Faby Rodriguez and Jenny Young

Print ISBN: 978-1-5107-6049-3

Ebook ISBN: 978-1-5107-6050-9

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Questions

Introduction

Section I: TIME

I’m Shomer Frigen Shabbos Means What Exactly?

What’s with Jews and Candles? Or Why Do I See Candelabras in the Windowsills in Winter?

Is There a Jewish Halloween?

Do Jews Fast?

Why Does My Jewish Coworker Have a Million Holidays?

Do Jews Believe in Heaven and Hell?

Section II: PROPS

Why Do Jews Wear Pope-Like Caps?

What’s with Hasidic Jew Garb?

What’s Inside the Funky Amulet Hanging on the Door?

Why the Shawls in Shul?

What’s with the KKK? Kiddush, Kaddish, and Kadosh?

Is Mikvah a Jewish Spa?

Section III: PURPOSE

Reform, Conservative, Orthodox: Which Are the Jews Who Have Horns?

Why Do I Get Asked to Put on Black Boxes by Some Jews in the Middle of Times Square?

What’s with Israel and Why Do People Get So Upset Talking about It?

Mo’ Money, Mo’ Problems: What’s the Jewish Word for Charity?

I’ve Heard of The Torah; WTF Is the Talmud?

Do Jews Believe in