By the book: Rabbi Jacques Cukierkorn's guide to Judaism translated from Spanish into English

By Marcia Horn, Community Editor

"Jews in general could know more about Judaism, and they don't," he says. "The other objective is to teach non-Jews about Judaism. If you want information quickly, this book is a great resource. The only thing new about this book is not the contents ... but the way the information is presented."

In fact, the book is an English translation of the Spanish-language guide to Judaism that Rabbi Cukierkorn wrote and published in 2002. The Spanish title translates as: "Hamadrich: A Guide to the Values and Practices of Modern Judaism."

The English version retains the same unique layout as the Spanish version. In the margin of each page is a short synopsis or synopses of the main information on that page, and after every section is a summary titled "At-a-Glance." For example, following the section on Jewish history is a timeline; following "Time in Judaism" is a chart of annual Jewish holiday cycle, along with short explanations of their meanings.

Rabbi Cukierkorn's editor, Michael Belusse of Madrid, says in his editor's note: "There is a high demand for a book which gives a general idea of Judaism, seen from different angles. 'Accessible Judaism' hopes to fill this gap. ... (I)t demands that the reader take an active role and think critically about Judaism, so that he or she may choose his or her own path. More than a 'Chosen People,' Judaism will be enriched if it truly becomes a 'Choosing People.' "

Rabbi Cukierkorn was born in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and he grew up hearing stories of Portuguese and Spanish Jews whose lives could be saved during the Inquisition only by converting to Christianity, but who continued to practice Judaism in secret. This made such an impression on him that he is now an adviser for international organizations such as Kulanu (Hebrew for "All of Us") and, according to his Web site, "has been a key player in some of the most controversial mass 'returnings' of Jews to the rest of the tribe, from the crypto-Jews of northern Brazil to the Abayudaba of Uganda."

He has traveled to Brazil, Mexico, Peru, Venezuela, Ecuador and parts of the United States, helping the descendants of so-called "conversos" or "marranos" return to Judaism. He first wrote his book in Spanish as a resource for these potential converts. But after his book was published in Spanish, Rabbi Cukierkorn said, he had many requests for an English version.

Presenting Judaism

This fall, the book will be utilized in the community-wide conversion class sponsored by the Rabbinical Association of Greater Kansas City and the Department of Adult Jewish Learning.

"The book seems to present Judaism in language that is accessible and useful, and I think that individuals interested in launching their studies will find the book useful," says Rabbi Amy Wallk Katz, director of Adult Jewish Learning. "I applaud Rabbi Cukierkorn for taking the time to write a book like this while serving a congregation. Balancing the demands of an author and a pulpit rabbi is not an easy thing."

Rabbi Cukierkorn's book is an overview of Judaism in general. The span of Jewish history is broken up in chunks: from the beginning to 200 C.E., the Diasporas of 200 to 1900, the Holocaust, the American Jewish community and the main Jewish movements today. One section outlines Jewish beliefs and values, another the life cycles and holidays. The last section covers conversion.

Appendices in the back of the book outline the basic differences between Christianity and Judaism; describe Jewish things such as a synagogue, a Ner Tamid (eternal light), a Sefer Torah (scroll), etc., and ritual objects related to holidays and festivals. It contains common prayers in both English and Hebrew, including the Shema and the blessings for Shabbat candles, wine, bread, etc.

The book also contains a glossary, filled with common Hebrew words and their meanings.

Rabbi Cukierkorn best sums up his book in his introduction: "Judaism is depleting itself by not providing the answers the majority of Jews are looking for, and assimilation continues increasing at a breathtaking pace. And at the same (time) many Jews who remain faithful hold on to a defensive idea of Judaism that in its most excessive form is portrayed by the excluding, radical Ultra-Orthodox groups who look with suspicion on anything they can't call their own. Their view is defying the Jewish tradition of dialogue, search for consensus, variety and debate, the very hallmarks that have helped Judaism survive against the odds. Now that this guide is here, I will feel rewarded if only one of you finds his or her way independently to the Jewish fold."

The oversized paperback is purposely priced at $18, the numerological equivalent of the Hebrew word chai, meaning life. "A good number," Rabbi Cukierkorn said.

Rabbi/author plans book-signing events

"Accessible Judaism: A Concise Guide" is available for $18 at New Reform Temple, at many of the Judaica shops at other synagogues, at Borders Books, Rainy Day Books and Last Chapter Bookstore. It can also be purchased through Amazon.com and through Rabbi Cukierkorn's own Web site, www.guidetojudaism.com. It may soon be available at Barnes & Noble, too.

Rabbi Cukierkorn has planned the following book signings in conjunction with the book's English publication:

o 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 25, at Rainy Day Books, 2706 W. 53rd St. No ticket is required.

o 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 11, at Last Chapter Bookshoppe, 11128 Antioch Road.

o Friday, Nov. 12, following 6 p.m. services at New Reform Temple

o Sunday, Nov. 14, during religious school, along with a book fair, at New Reform Temple