Understanding Jewish History: Texts and Commentaries [Paperback]

Steven Bayme (Editor)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Bayme, a professor at Yeshiva University, has written a guide to all facets of the Jewish historical experience--cultural, religious, political, and social. The book is organized into 34 chapters, each covering a different aspect of Jewish history, from ancient through modern times. Following Bayme's text in each chapter is a brief related piece by a universally recognized author--Josephus, Maimonides, Gershom Scholem, and Spinoza, for example--or from such works as the Bible, the Talmud, and the Zohar. Bayme's subjects include creation and covenant, destruction and exile, medieval Jewish philosophy and mysticism, the Crusades and the Jews, Hasidism, Reform Judaism, neoorthodoxy, modern anti-Semitism, Jewish settlements in America, Conservative Judaism and reconstructionism, the Holocaust, and Israel and world Jewry. Stimulating reading and an invaluable outpouring of learning. George Cohen

Review

Understanding Jewish History: Texts And Commentaries provides a firsthand exposure to the breadth and diversity of the Jewish experience. Drawing upon Steven Bayme's 20 years of experience in college teaching and adult education, Understanding Jewish History will stimulate the reader to search not only for information and historical context, but also for a personal encounter with jewish teachings and traditions, asking what claims, if any, does the past have upon our lives today. Organized into 34 chapters, Understanding Jewish History surveys the range of Jewish experience from the biblical covenant to contemporary relations between Israel and world Jewry. Each chapter contains both primary source materials and extensive historical content and analyses, as well as a bibliography. Also available in a hardcover edition (554-8 $39. 50), Understanding Jewish History is highly recommended for personal, synagogue, school, and public library collections. -- Midwest Book Review --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback
• Publisher: Ktav Pub Inc (July 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0881255548
• ISBN-13: 978-0881255546
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #761,801 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:

5.0 out of 5 stars its informative as well as interesting, November 19, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Understanding Jewish History: Texts and Commentaries (Paperback)

This book targets both people who haveno jewish history background as well as those who have a strong background. Steve adds a modern twist on the history of the Jewish people. The writing is very clear and exhibits Dr. Bayme's extensive knowledge. I highly recommend reading this book.

5.0 out of 5 stars An outstanding introduction to the major themes of Jewish history, January 9, 2006

By 

Shalom Freedman "Shalom Freedman" (Jerusalem,Israel) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Understanding Jewish History: Texts and Commentaries (Paperback)

Steven Bayme is an important Jewish communal leader and scholar. This anthology reflects his broad knowledge of and strong connection to Jewish history and communal life. It is an excellent introduction to the major themes of Jewish communal and social life.