Questions are the gateways to knowledge. After years of responding to the queries of people from all walks of life, Rabbi Becher saw the need for a single volume that would explain the fundamentals of Jewish living; the philosophy behind Jewish tradition, along with practical explanations of how Jews actually live. Gateway to Judaism offers an engaging insider's look at the mindset, values, and practices of Judaism in the 21st century.\\Some of the fascinating questions which Rabbi Becher addresses in Gateway to Judaism are: \\In the age of modern conveniences do we really need a Sabbath? \What is Judaism's view on death and the afterlife? \Why is Judaism so full of laws? \Why should I pray? Does God really want to hear my complaints? \Can Judaism enhance my marriage? \What does Judaism say about raising and educating children? \Isn't circumcision just an ancient rite of initiation? What relevance does it have today? \Why is Israel so central to Judaism? Does a religion need a land? \How can I conduct a Passover Seder if I can barely read Hebrew? \Each chapter includes: \\An overview and philosophical introduction to the topic, including rationale and sources \Practical laws and instructions \Extensive endnotes, which provide a valuable reference tool for scholars, teachers and students of Judaism \Vignettes of the lively Levy family demonstrate how these topics apply in daily life \Rabbi Becher demonstrates the relevance of Judaism's timeless principles and its ability to transform and elevate the individual, the family and the community. His book opens the door for the newcomer to Judaism, while at the same time providing new insights into its significance for those already familiar with the joy of Jewish living.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Time: The cycle of life: Two become one -- Zero to thirteen -- A time to cry -- Calendar: The Jewish calendar -- Who invented the weekend anyway? -- The Jewish New Year --The Day of Atonement --Jews in booths--Sukkot --Spiritual survival--Chanukah -- Physical survival--Purim -- Passover--Free at last -- Back to Sinai--Shavuot -- Slow down, it's a fast day! -- Place: The Torah and its home -- The land of Israel -- Self: Action: Looking Jewish -- Soul food--the kosher dietary laws -- Material witnesses -- Person to person -- Justice , charity, and tzedakah -- Thought: Belief, knowledge and faith -- Why are there commandments? -- Torah study -- Speech: Getting up on the right side of the bed--prayer -- Blessings and appreciation -- Appendices: Who are the Jews and where do they come from? -- The books of the people, for the people of the book.