The oldest of the world’s major faiths, Judaism as practiced today represents a tradition that goes back nearly 6,000 years. Accessible and wide-ranging, Judaism: The Basics is a must-have resource covering the stories, beliefs and expressions of that tradition.
Key topics covered include:
- the Torah
- Israel – the state and its people
- Passover
- Reform Judaism, Orthodox Judaism and Zionism
- the impact of the Holocaust.
With a glossary of terms and extensive suggestions for further reading, Judaism: The Basics is an essential guide through the rich intricacies of the Jewish faith and people.
Introduction: Defining a Religion and Judaism in Particular 1. Defining Judaism through Stories 2. Who and What is Israel? The Community of Judaism and Passover 3. The Israelite Before God and the Days of Awe 4. The Individual Israelite and Israel in History: The Huppah, the Covenant of Abraham, Eating Lunch 5. The Purpose of the Law, the Ten Commandments, the Sabbath 6. God is One, Merciful and Just 7. The Formation of Normative Judaism 8. The Articulation of Normative Judaism 9. Reform, Orthodox and Conservative Judaisms, Zionism 10. The Holocaust and How Judaism Speaks Today
Biography
Jacob Neusner was the Research Professor of Theology at Bard College and Senior Fellow of the Institute of Advanced Theology at Bard. He was also a Member of the Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton NJ, and a Life Member of Clare Hall, Cambridge University, in England. He published more than 900 books and unnumbered articles and was the most published humanities scholar in the world.
