Religions of the World Series: Judaism [Paperback]

Dan Cohn-Sherbok (Author), Ninian Smart (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 013266271X | ISBN-13: 978-0132662710 | Publication Date: September 12, 1998 | Edition: 1

Judaism is a concise and readable survey of the history of the Jewish people from earliest exile to the creation of the State of Israel and the present day. Focusing particularly on the modern period, it provides a valuable introduction to contemporary Jewish beliefs and practices and looks at the ways in which Judaism has adapted, and continues to adapt, to the challenges of the modern world. Written in an accessible and informative style, and assuming little or no prior knowledge on the part of the reader, this book gives a basic introduction to the faith—its history, beliefs, and practices. Provides valuable pedagogy, including: timeline; maps; glossary; list of sacred days/festivals; suggested reading; pronunciation guide; index; feature boxes focusing on some aspects of the arts; 11 black and white pictures and artworks. Readers interested in learning more about the world's religions.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'Judaism by Dan Cohn-Sherbok is the most comprehensive introduction to Judaism available to American undergraduates. The concise chapters of this book provide excellent background information on Jewish history, culture, and religion. As a teacher, I can build upon this information when we pursue critical issues in specialized classes in Jewish Studies. My undergraduate students at this liberal arts college praise the encyclopedic character of the book as well as the maps and text samples. Many of my students keep this book as a future reference work.' - Rivka Ulmer, Bucknell University, Pennsylvania, USA

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

From the Back Cover

Judaism is a concise and readable survey of the history of the Jewish people from earliest exile to the creation of the State of Israel and the present day. Focusing particularly on the modern period, it provides a valuable introduction to contemporary Jewish beliefs and practices and looks at the ways in which Judaism has adapted, and continues to adapt, to the challenges of the modern world. Written in an accessible and informative style, and assuming little or no prior knowledge on the part of the reader, this book gives a basic introduction to the faith—its history, beliefs, and practices. Provides valuable pedagogy, including: timeline; maps; glossary; list of sacred days/festivals; suggested reading; pronunciation guide; index; feature boxes focusing on some aspects of the arts; 11 black and white pictures and artworks. Readers interested in learning more about the world's religions.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Prentice Hall; 1 edition (September 12, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 013266271X
• ISBN-13: 978-0132662710
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.4 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.3 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #851,222 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Brief Overview and Introduction, April 6, 2000

By 

Ellen Grigsby (Albuquerque, NM) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Religions of the World Series: Judaism (Paperback)

Dan Cohn-Sherbok's JUDIASM: RELIGIONS OF THE WORLD offers the student of comparative religion and/or Judaism a brief overview of crucial themes in Judaic belief and practice. The work consists of approximately 100 pages of text, followed by a glossary and pronunciation guide (both of which should be enormously helpful to novices). The book's strengths include the following: a) readers are given a strong introduction to Orthodox, Reform, Conservative, Reconstructionist, and Humanistic Judaism; and b) a chapter on contemporary observance takes the reader through religious practices. I would submit that the book would be even more helpful had it offered a more extensive discussion of historical Judaism and textual exegesis. However, the author did not seek to write a comprehensive history; that which is presented is solid, well-written, and student-friendly.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very interesting reading on the search for truth!, March 12, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Elements of Judaism (Paperback)

Reading this book gives one the delightful sense of seeing a kaleidoscope in action or of seeing fractals unfold. In describing how truth is sought in letters, words, and texts, and how symbolism is applied and sought and re-applied, one starts to sense the joy and sheer intensity with which scholars probe the Torah for divine direction as well as hints about the nature of reality. These are material and insights I just would not have seen otherwise.