About the Textbook

This all-encompassing textbook is an unrivalled guide to the history, belief and practice of Judaism, written by a scholar and rabbi who is also an experienced university teacher. Beginning with the ancient Near Eastern background, it covers early Israelite history, the emergence of classical rabbinic literature and the rise of medieval Judaism in Islamic and Christian lands. It also includes the early modern period, and the development of Jewry in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Extracts from primary sources are used throughout to enliven the narrative and provide concrete examples of the rich variety of Jewish civilization.

Specially designed to assist learning Judaism:
History, Belief and Practice -

• Introduces texts and commentaries, including the Hebrew Bible, rabbinic texts, mystical literature, Jewish philosophy and Jewish theology
• Provides the skills necessary to understand these step-by-step
• Explains how to interpret the major events in nearly four thousand years of Jewish history
• Supports study with discussion questions on the central historical and religious issues, and includes key reading for each chapter and an extensive bibliography
• Illustrates the development of Judaism, its concepts and observances, with nearly 200 maps and photographs
• A companion website links each chapter to other online resources, and gives students guidance on what to think about, activities to support chapters and also tips for teachers.

Both sections of the book have been read by Jewish Studies academics and a practising rabbi for factual accuracy and relevance to contemporary Jewish thought.

Why this is the right book for you:

• Highly student-friendly, jargon-free and lavishly illustrated
• Offers an introduction to Judaism by an experienced undergraduate teacher who is also a practising Rabbi
• Each chapter is supported by an accompanying web chapter with tips for teachers and students and online resources
• Packed with pedagogical features: glossary, timelines, maps, discussion questions, primary and secondary sources.

May 2003: 246x189mm: 432pp: illus. 33 maps and 90 photos, paintings and engravings
Hb: 0-415-23660-6
Pb: 0-415-23661-4