How to Be an Extremely Reform Jew

Book excerpt: Extremely Reform Judaism is one of the world's fastest growing denominations and also its most misunderstood-ever since the ancient forefathers first lifted their eyes to God to ask, "Why can't we have a Christmas Tree?" How to Be an Extremely Reform Jew pokes irreverent yet good-natured fun its subject, with chapters on the mandatory and optional Extremely Reform Jewish holidays; maintaining the Extremely Reform Jewish home; diaspora travel tips; Extremely Reform rites of passage (circumcision, bar mitzvah, intermarriage); and how to deprogram your Extremely Reform child after he has joined a religious cult. Highlights include "The Ten Suggestions"; a "Feast and Fast Yo-Yo Diet Guide to Jewish Holidays"; and "Glengarry Glen Purim, a David Mamet Purim Play." This humorous illustrated guide contains numerous quotations from ancient Extremely Reform Jewish texts, such as, "He who gives a coin to the poor is rewarded with six blessings, but he who makes a pledge to charity receives a free tote bag," and, "Thou shalt not stand outside the synagogue on the High Holy Days scalping thy tickets to the services." First published by Avon Books in 1994, the new edition preserves the content of the original in fresh paperback and ebook formats. It's an ideal gift for Hanukkah or any occasion.