Description

Norman Solomon's succinct book is an ideal introduction to Judaism as a religion and way of life. In addition to surveying the nature and development of Judaism, this Very Short Introduction outlines the basics of practical Judaism -- its festivals, prayers, customs, and various sects. Modern concerns and debates of the Jewish people are also addressed, such as the impact of the Holocaust, the establishment of the State of Israel, the status of women, and medical and commercial ethics.

About the Series: Combining authority with wit, accessibility, and style, Very Short Introductions offer an introduction to some of life's most interesting topics. Written by experts for the newcomer, they demonstrate the finest contemporary thinking about the central problems and issues in hundreds of key topics, from philosophy to Freud, quantum theory to Islam

Reviews

"[Solomon] manages to cover a remarkable range of material regarding the nature of the Jews as a historical group, the history of Judaism's religious tradition, the origins of Christianity, and aspects of historical and contemporary piety and practice."--Religious Studies Review

"An excellent brief introduction; contains all your students need to know at the basic level."--I.A. Van Liere, College of Charleston

"Compact and detailed, this is a well-balanced presentation of the biblical foundations, historical development, and contemporary shape of the Jewish tradition. Ideal for those coming to Judaism for the first time."--Ralph Keen, University of Iowa

About the Author(s)