"Some people seek. Jews question. And to answer their questions comes The Newish Jewish Encyclopedia, a bible of Judaism that, in its deeply knowing and highly entertaining way, reflects the diverse and at times irascible tribe who identify as Jewish, orJewish, or, in the case of future converts and/or spouses, Jewcurious. Here is a popcultural guide to all the many, many aspects and delights of "being Jewish," created by the hosts of the most popular Jewish podcast on iTunes, Unorthodox. And that's theoperating word: unorthodox. How else to describe an encyclopedia that begins with "Aaron"--"Like a biblical Rodney Dangerfield, our first High Priest couldn't get no respect"--ends with "Zyklon B" (yikes), and never fails to entertain? Along the way, it covers everything: The meaning of "Nu?" The Patriarchs and the Matriarchs. The singers Al Jolson, Barbra Streisand, Billy Joel, and Carole King. The Kabbalah and Krusty the Clown, Masada and Jackie Mason, the Beastie Boys and "bagel Jews." Readers will refresh themselves on the Oslo Accords, understand all the major and minor holidays (including a guide to fasting), discover how the Jews invented Hollywood, remind themselves why they need to read Isaac Babel, Hannah Arendt, and Daniel Deronda, and find themeaning of happiness (see "Latkes"). Packed with hundreds of photos, charts, illustrations, and guides, it's an encyclopedia that's as rich in visuals as it is in language. It is sababa"--
adult
Stephanie Butnick, Liel Leibovitz, and Mark Oppenheimer, hosts of Tablet Magazine's Unorthodox podcast.
