What Makes Someone a Jew?: What Makes Someone a Jew? Paperback – Illustrated, February 1, 2007

This is an amazing book that I am excited to read to my son over the years as he grows up. As a Jew of Color who is unaffiliated with any of the mainstream branches, this book is important and necessary so that my son knows there is not just one look, color, or way to practice our faith and heritage. We are Karaites and typically not represented both in our practice nor racially/ethnically, so this book will help reinforce to my son that his identity is valid.

There are better expressions of Judaism and Jewish ethics and behaviorthat I'd have preferred in this book, but it is fine. Perhaps there could belevels of answering this question--levels based upon chronological age andemotional maturity.

Great pictures and very good way to start at an early age they we all do not have to look like characters from fiddler on the roof in order to authentically Jewish. Only wish we had a book for the parents and grandparents!

Encompasses multiracial appearances; sensitive presentation for small children

This book is not an accurate representation of what makes a Jew. Instead it gives a Reformed rewriting of Judaism. One must have a Jewish mother or convert to be Jewish. This book is not worth spending your money buying. I am sorry I bought it. It could just as well said: what makes a person "good".

It helped answer my kids questions

Great

In simple, rhyming text, Lauren Seidman provides answers to the question posed in the title of this delightful picture book that celebrates diversity. "You don't have to look a certain way to be Jewish," Seidman reasons, but rather it is the values one lives by that matter. Large color photographs of Jewish children from a variety of ethnic backgrounds will engage young children, and offer them a broader perspective of the Jewish community in the United States and beyond. This book holds special appeal for children who have been adopted by Jewish families, as they will likely find within its pages photographs of other Jewish children that look like them. Although intended for a pre-school audience, What Makes Someone a Jew? could also be used with older children to encourage discussions about Jewish identity. The book's positive focus on the traditions and values shared by all Jews, and its inclusive and tolerant message make it a worthy purchase for libraries and schools serving young children and families with young children. For ages 2 - 6. Reviewed by Alison Kelly

A beautiful introduction to the concept that being jewish isn’t 1 type of person on the outside, but a way of being (kind, considerate, etc).Written as a rhyme which is a great touch.