An Introduction to Judaism (Introduction to Religion) [Paperback]

Nicholas de Lange (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 13, 2000 | ISBN-10: 0521466245 | ISBN-13: 978-0521466240

This book offers a full and lucid account of Judaism and the Jewish people. Written for Jews and non-Jews alike, whether students, teachers, or general interest readers, the book brings out the extraordinary richness and variety of Judaism: its historical depth, and the vigor and endurance of its traditions--in the home, in the synagogue, in its literature, in individual and community life. It contains illustrative tables and maps, a full glossary, chronology, bibliography and index. This is a stimulating and comprehensive introduction to a major world culture.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

De Lange, a rabbi, author and translator who is a Reader in Hebrew and Jewish Studies at Cambridge University, has written this remarkably comprehensive analysis of Jews and Judaism. While some of his comments reflect his vantage point as an Englishman, he is fully aware of developments in America and Israel. The book opens with an acutely perceptive review of the contemporary situation of Jews throughout the world, followed by a brief but thorough treatment of Jewish history in which the author focuses on past and present threats to Jewish survival. He then considers Jewish books, Jewish religion, family, community, God and the Jews and the question of what it takes to be a good Jew. The book concludes with "some tentative predictions" about the Jewish future that confront the "bleak demographic" picture often predicted. De Lange identifies problems of religious pluralism, especially in Israel, and examines the issue of Jewish feminism in light of postmodern efforts to push the boundaries of Jewish theology. De Lange's system for categorizing his topics results in some overlapping; for example, Jewish books crop up in several chapters although one chapter is entirely dedicated to this subject, and de Lange's treatment of Jewish holidays is repetitive. Nevertheless, de Lange has clearly satisfied his objective, offering an overall introduction to Judaism that will be useful to both Jewish and non-Jewish readers, if they can get past the hefty price tag. (Apr.)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

Focusing on Jewish rituals and practices, this volume provides a solid foundation for the study of contemporary Judaism. Chapters can be read in any order and cover demographics, Jewish books, home and synagogue activities, and philosophy. While de Lange (Atlas of the Jewish World) writes primarily about the United States and Israel, he includes some accounts of European history and customs of Jews from Arab countries. De Lange illuminates the differences among Judaism's three main denominations and among Jewish philosophers, encouraging readers to continue their study of the religion beyond his book. The book's chronological table, which stops with the 1973 Yom Kippur War, is a shortcoming. Recommended for public and undergraduate libraries.
-Naomi E. Hafter, Broward Cty. P.L., Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 269 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (March 13, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521466245
• ISBN-13: 978-0521466240
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,274,677 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting, Readable, and Encompassing, September 8, 2000

By 

Stephen Sacks (Clifton, VA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: An Introduction to Judaism (Introduction to Religion) (Paperback)

This book addresses almost the entire gamut of Jewish history, ideas, thoughts, issues, and concepts and does it in a most engaging manner. By necessity individual concepts are allowed no more than a few paragraphs. This makes for a quick read. The book seems to be written as a college text. However, even the most knowledgable will feel they have learned something new. The author approaches topics that have been the subject of controversy in an uncritical and even handed manner so that all but the most rigid will be able to at least identify with both sides of an issue. Fot the most part the author does not interject his own opinion. Where he does do this is often in a place where he finds opportunity to bring in fresh thoughts.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A COMPELLING CHRONICLE, December 8, 2002

By 

reviewer (Zurich, Switzerland.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: An Introduction to Judaism (Introduction to Religion) (Hardcover)

In his book, "An Introduction to Judaism", Dr. Nicholas de Lange provided a quick insight into the religion and its followers. I observed that he designed this book for people who have little or no time to invest on voluminous texts. The numerous illustrations he used to demystify ancient concepts like Zionism and Diaspora are of great value; although that anybody who is familiar with his earlier works, like the "Atlas of the Jewish World and Jews", would not be too amazed.
This is one book that will enlighten anyone who has interest in Jewish history and demography. It is a well-researched piece. Beautifully summarized! Another compelling chronicle.