Why Be Jewish?: A Testament

Edgar M. Bronfman's clarion call to a generation of secular, disaffected, and unaffiliated Jews, this book addresses the most critical question confronting Judaism worldwide.

Completed in December 2013, just weeks before he passed away, Why Be Jewish? expresses Edgar Bronfman's awe, respect, and deep love for his faith and heritage. Bronfman walks readers through the major tenets and ideas in Jewish life, fleshing out their meaning and offering proof texts from the Jewish tradition gleaned over his many years of study with some of the greatest teachers in the Jewish world.

With honesty, poignancy, and passion, Bronfman shares in Why Be Jewish? insights gleaned from his own personal journey and makes a compelling case for the meaning and transcendence of a secular Judaism that is still steeped in deep moral values, authentic Jewish texts, and a focus on deed over creed or dogma.

Formerly CEO of the Seagram Company Ltd, Edgar M. Bronfman was a renowned philanthropist supporting a wide variety of Jewish organizations. Mr. Bronfman was the foundation chairman of the international board of governors of Hillel and also president of the World Jewish Congress. He passed away in December of 2013, and is survived by his wife, Jan Aronson, and his seven children.