The expanded, updated, revised edition of today s most influential book (over 35,000 copies of the first edition in print) about finding core spiritual values in American Jewrys most misunderstood ceremony. Joining explanation, instruction, and inspiration to help parent and child, it offers new insights into bar and bat mitzvah s origins, new ways for non-Jewish parents to participate in their childs barmitzvah ceremony, new resources, and much more. How did bar and bat mitzvah originate? What are the ethics of celebration? How to make the event more spiritually meaningful! An important update to the winner of the 1993 Benjamin Franklin Award for the Best Religion Book published in the United States. A portion of all sales of Putting God on the Guest List is donated by the publisher to MAZON, a Jewish Response to Hunger Editorial Reviews From Library Journal This book is destined to enjoy great popularity, for it addresses an important Jewish life cycle occasion in an exciting, contemporary style. The catchy title reflects the tone of the book. In illuminating the meaning of the bar mitzvah ritual, Salkin covers all bases: history, sociology, and religion. Recognizing that the bar mitzvah is an emotional event, particularly in families that are not observant, he explains its significance as a link in the unbroken chain of Jewish tradition as well as a rite of passage. The chapter on the highlights of the Sabbath prayers is useful. Throughout, Salkin offers instant answers to the perplexing questions of faith and belief. In our age of instant gratification, this approach has great merit and appeal. For most Judaica collections. - Carol R. Glatt, VA Medical Ctr. Lib., Philadelphia Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title. Review "A journey of self-discovery, personal growth, Jewish commitment and understanding. A book that brings us closer to holiness." -- Rabbi Sheldon Zimmerman, President, Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion "I hope every family planning a bar mitzvah celebration reads Rabbi Salkin's book." -- Rabbi Harold S. Kushner, Conservative, author of When Bad Things Happen to Good People "In a gentle style....shares both practical and spiritual suggestions for bringing God and significance back to each stage of the bar or bat mitzvah." -- Booklist, American Library Association "Raises the questions that most need to be asked at every bar and bat mitzvah." -- Rabbi Laura Geller, Reform "Show's the way to restore spirituality and depth to every young Jew's most important rite of passage." -- Rabbi Joseph Telushkin, Orthodox, author of Jewish Literacy Destined to enjoy great popularity, for it addresses an important Jewish life cycle occasion in an exciting, contemporary style....has great merit and appeal. -- Library Journal, August 1992