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Tough Questions Jews Ask /

What your rabbi probably has never told you, but could―if you'd only ask.

"Every day I wonder if God is real, if the Torah is true. Every day I wonder why I’m a Jew. But that’s part of being Jewish. In the Torah, we’re called Yisrael―the ones who wrestle with God. Wrestling, asking, wondering, searching is just what God wants us to do! God loves good questions. Now tell me, what are your questions?"

In Judaism we’re allowed to ask questions. We are invited to ask them. But for young people, it often feels as if no one is willing to take tough questions about religion, ourselves, and the world seriously.

Tough Questions Jews Ask turns that all around. With honesty, humor, and respect, Rabbi Edward Feinstein tackles topics as diverse as: Why does God let terrible things happen? What is God anyway? If I pray for something, will I get it? What’s the meaning of life? Is that a dumb question? Why does religion need so many rules? Why be Jewish?

With insight and wisdom―and without pretending to have all the answers―Rabbi Feinstein encourages young people to make sense of the Jewish tradition by wrestling with what we don’t understand.

Edward Feinstein

Other Title	A Young Adult's Guide to Building a Jewish Life
GMD	BOOK
Classification	296 FEI
Publisher	Jewish Lights Publishing, 2003
Subject	ReligionJEWISH STUDIESJewish InterestPhilosophy / ReligiousReligion / Biblical Criticism & Interpretation / Old TestamentModesty - Religious Aspects - JudaismJewish Girls - Religious LifeTeenagersEmotional problems of teenagers
ISBN	9781580231398
Additional ISBN	158023139X
URL

Notes

"I wish I had this book when I was young. I'm grateful that the b’nei mitzvah and their parents in my congregation have it now. Rabbi Feinstein responds to the tough questions thoughtful Jewish teenagers ask with wisdom, humor, gentleness and insight. " — Rabbi Laura Geller, senior rabbi, Temple Emanuel of Beverly Hills, California

“In this remarkable book Rabbi Feinstein asks all the tough questions, and gives them thoughtful, important and often surprising answers. I will keep it by my desk; every Jewish parent seeking answers should do the same.” — Rabbi David Wolpe, Sinai Temple, Los Angeles, California; author, Teaching Your Children About God

“A masterpiece in Jewish education by a master educator. A gift for teenagers and adults alike. ” — Rabbi Donniel Hartman, co-director, Shalom Hartman Institute, Jerusalem

“Takes us through those 'keep-you-up-at-night’ questions—and does so with wit and depth. This is the best theology book for young people that I have read in a long time. It will be must-reading for confirmation classes and Hebrew high school. What a treasure! ” — Rabbi Jeffrey K. Salkin