Practical Judaism By Rabbi Israel Meir Lau Feldheim Publishers, 1997, 404 pages ISBN 13: 978-9657141472 ISBN 10: 9657141478

Reviewed by Israel Drazin - June 22, 2010

Rabbi Israel Meir Lau, the author of this book designed to make Judaism meaningful was a chief rabbi of Israel. The volume discusses the origin, reason, and method of observance of a multitude of Jewish practices.

The rabbi discusses the laws of Kosher, for example, in close to twenty pages, and the Sabbath in about fifty pages. He address the ceremonies of Bar and Bat Mitzvah, marriages, and commandments associated with festivals. He focuses also on what is unique about Jews and Jewish beliefs.

He answers many questions, such as: Why do Orthodox Jews wear head coverings? Why is a quorum of ten males necessary for some Jewish services? What is the source for wearing a prayer shawl called tallit by male Jews during services and why is it done? Why is the mourner's prayer said in Aramaic instead of Hebrew? Why is there a command to wash one's hands before a meal?

The book is designed for the average reader and is very easy to read.

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