Although dated February 21, 2012, we just recently stumbled upon this article, Modern Times which describes the publication of Herman Wouk’s wildly popular This Is My G-d in 1959.
Rabbi Yitzchak Kirzner zt”l recommended this book for a first exposure to Judaism and after giving it to a friend, he exclaimed that this was the first book you gave me that I could actually get through.
Have you ever read the book?
Have you ever recommended it?
What did you like or not like about it?
It is a book for Jews who just want to be Jews – not for those who insist Haredi or Chassidic or other overzealous ssects are the only “true” Judaisms, but for those who want to be a light unto the nations, in *this* world.
Our Sages were doctors, merchants, shepherds, and productive contributors to the world around them. It is names of observant Jews, who work and contribute, who you see on university and hospital buildings.
After you read this book, read Ecclesiastes (Kohelet) and see how King Solomon lived. They are much the same, without wigs or matching hats or isolationist attitudes.
I haven’t read it, but maybe I should…
It was assigned reading by the rabbi I was studying with when I was becoming frum! And he was absolutely right to assign it. Herman Wouk shows that it is not at all necessary to reject the rest of the world to embrace a Torah life. Rather, it is possible to contribute to the rest of the world as well as to your own community.
This is my God is one of the books I read when I was considering becoming traditionally observant. The book really made it possible for me to see myself in that row. 10 years later, I think the book is about the American Jewish community of an earlier time, and is no longer useful as a guide to what it is really like to be living in an observant community.
I read the book many years ago while I was a teenager. The book was one of the many reasons I considered and attended YU.
This book was a big influence on me when I was making my way towards observance 20 years ago. It was inspiring to see a “man of the world” who was shomer shabbos and mitzvos, and has really helped to keep me steadfast in my belief that you can take what’s good from the secular world (with care) without compromising on your religious ideals.
I read the book early in my path back to Judaism and found it very meaningful.
At the time I read it I was only beginning to add Jewish observances into my life. The book gave me rationale and motivation to continue doing so.
I think its value is the combination of Wouk’s commitment to being an observant Jew and his talent as a storyteller.
The sequel, “The Will to Live On”, is worthwhile too.
This post was rather timely, since I’ve been trying to decide on a book to give someone in order to guide the person back to Judaism. I had thought of a Chumash or Tanach, but “This is My G-d” may be a better choice.