One of the best primers I’ve ever read on Judaism is How to Run a Traditional Jewish Household by Blu Greenberg. She is the wife of an Orthodox Rabbi—the immensely-likeable Yitz Greenberg—and a mother of five. Don’t be deterred by the title; the information is shared in a way that’s both easy to understand and non-judgmental. You don’t have to be observant to benefit from this book. I wasn’t raised Orthodox, nor do I live that way as an adult, and I still enjoyed it tremendously!

I first read it as a teenager, after finding a copy in a used book store. I grew up in a typical Reform home that was barely observant and many of the things she described were totally foreign to me. While I’ve never wanted to become Orthodox, I did—and do—want to know more about Judaism and try to follow it the best I’m able.

I find Blu to be very honest. Her style is both warm and charming. She’s a self-described “Orthodox Feminist,” that’s Pro-Choice and encourages women in business. I love that she’s a great teacher without being preachy. Far from pretending that Orthodox life is perfect, she candidly discusses the highs and lows. (When she mentioned that cleaning for Passover made her cry, I felt like screaming, “Wow, me too!).

How to Run a Traditional Jewish Household covers all of these topics and more:

*  Shabbat   (Jewish Sabbath)

*  Kashrut    (Dietary laws)

*  Ritual Purity  (Mikvah)

*  Prayer

*  Holidays

*  Life Cyles Events   (Bris, Bar/Batmitzvah, weddings, & funerals)

*  Education   (Advice for parents)

*  Dress   (Traditional clothing choices)

*  Jewish symbols & meanings  (Stars, Hamsa, Menorah, & Mezzuzah)

The sample menus included are excellent, as are the recipes shared by her mother, Sylvia. (Try the carrot cake and tzimmes, absolutely delicious!)

My favorite section offers comparison of two typical Shabbats in the Greenberg family—one when Blu worked outside the home and another when she was home full-time. (It’s hard to believe it’s the same folks, that’s how different it seems!) Between scrambling to cook or order food, clean, get the kids ready, wait for her husband to arrive from the airport and finish up her own work, the reader can only be amazed at her efforts.

It’s so nice to read about other Jewish ladies struggling to make work, family, and religion co-exist. None of us are perfect and I’d much rather commiserate than pretend otherwise. By admitting that she clearly struggles with some aspects of her faith but is absolutely committed to its complete preservation makes her—and the book—much more relatable, even for those of us who are Unaffiliated.

If you’re a Jewish lady looking for straight-forward info and advice, How to Run a Traditional Jewish Household should be first on your list!