BOCA RATON, Florida — Sam Glaser’s The Joy of Judaism contains 407 pages of very interesting insights into Jewish practices offered to readers by a very accomplished communicator in a clear, often humorous, always insightful and inspiring way. Glaser’s book covers virtually all aspects of Judaism. He shows readers how they can enjoy Jewish practices.
Glaser is named one of the ten top Jewish performers in the US by Moment magazine. He is a very popular and entertaining lecturer and performer. He knows about Judaism and how to express feelings and thoughts. He has received many awards. He recorded and sold 31 albums, which are complex and catchy, wise and witty, youthful and seasoned. Since 1997 he performed 50 times around the world in a single year to Jewish and non-Jewish audiences including the White House. His concerts, whether done solo or in front of his eight-piece band or a large orchestra, are very enjoyable. He has composed almost 100 songs, most very inspirational.
The Joy of Judaism is made up of ten parts. Each part has between 5 and 10 chapters. The book is comprehensive. Glaser discuses subjects such as: The measure of a Mench, Mezuzah, Kippah, Tefillin, Shabbat, Sukkot and Halloween, A Shavuot Revelation, From Exodus to Esther, Brit Milah: A Cut Above the Rest, The Holiest Shul in Town, Music in Judaism: In Search of the Tenth Song, and The Secret of Six.
Glaser introduces each chapter with the lyrics of one of his songs. The first stanza of one of his four stanza songs which introduces his comments on the biblical tale of the non-Israelite prophet Bilaam called “B’chira: Lessons in Free Will from a Talking Donkey,” for example, is:
How did I ever find my way back home
What did I do to deserve this prize
Searching the world to find the secrets
That were hiding right before my eyes.
He fills each chapter with serious discussions on what is important in Judaism, but also with humor and stories, as well as the opinion of others. In “Early Childhood,” for example, he tells about his experiences with telescope parenting.
He ends many chapter with Four Question, such as:
What is your earliest memory of a holy experience?
What techniques can you use to remain in a place of peace and balance?
What is the next mitzvah that you would like to master?
How can you incorporate rabbinic wisdom in your life?
In short, Sam Glaser’s book will teach readers, Jews and non-Jews, much about Judaism, and it will do so in an easy to read fun manner.
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Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin is a retired brigadier general in the U.S. Army chaplain corps and is the author of more than 50 books.