We're Missing the Point: What's Wrong with the Orthodox Jewish Community and How to Fix It

An educator, congregational rabbi, and writer of fiction and essays, Rothstein argues that God gave the world--Jews and non-Jews--a manual for how best to serve God, but few people are even on the right track, let alone closing in on perfection in that service. However many commandments God gave and no matter how many different laws and customs they have grown into, he say, there is a central group of ideas that are supposed to be the shaping framework for all the other practices of religion. He assures the devout that they do not have to work harder, just change the kind and focus of their effort. His central notion is autonomy. There is no index. Distributed in the US by KTAV Publishing House. Annotation ©2012 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

To be an Orthodox Jew is to resist the manifold and ever-present temptations to assimilate into the antithetical practices, customs, and cultures of the larger society. We're Missing the Point: What's Wrong with the Orthodox Jewish Community and How to Fix It; by Rabbi Dr. Gidon Rothstein is a 256-page compendium addressing what it means to be a Jew, to be Orthodox, to live a God-oriented life, the role of autonomy and personal choice, and a practical, attainable, 'real-world' vision of how to keep focused on the core essentials that such a life and such a community of lives requires within the context of a broader pagan and secular world. From Jewish traditions, to the necessity of prayer, to Jewish education, to
the spiritual and communal value of the synagogue, 'We're Missing the Point' is inspired and inspiring. Thoroughly 'reader-friendly,' Rabbi Rothstein's book should be considered a core addition to personal reading lists, as well as community and academic library ;Judaic Studies; reference collections. --Library Bookwatch, and Internet Bookwatch