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Joseph Telushkin

Jewish Literacy: The Most Important Things to Know About the Jewish Religion, Its People and Its History Hardcover – April 26, 1991

by Joseph Telushkin (Author)

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Jewish Literacy Revised Ed: The Most Important Things to Know About the Jewish Religion, Its People, and Its History
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A rabbi summarizes the Jewish tradition for Jews and non-Jews alike in a reference guide to Jewish religion and culture, covering culture, history, and tradition in one broad sweep. 15,000 first printing.

Print length

784 pages
Language

English
Publisher

William Morrow
Publication date

April 26, 1991
Dimensions

6.75 x 2 x 9.75 inches
ISBN-10

0688085067
ISBN-13

978-0688085063
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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

In 1988, Rabbi Joseph Telushkin undertook a mission to heal "Jewish ignorance," an affliction whose symptoms include the ability to name the three components of the Trinity, coupled with an inability to explain mitzvah. Telushkin's contribution to the cure is his wide-ranging, entertaining Jewish Literacy. First published in 1991, Jewish Literacy contains almost 350 entries on subjects ranging from the Ten Commandments to The Protocols of the Elders of Zion. Entries are numbered (for easy, encyclopedia-style reference) and organized topically (to smooth the experience of reading each page straight through). And the revised edition contains several new entries (including articles about the assassination of Yitzhak Rabin and the vice-presidential nomination of Joseph Lieberman) as well as numerous corrections, enlargements, and updates. One might expect Rabbi Telushkin's project of inspiring Jewish literacy to be overly earnest, but the author's understated wit adds considerable levity to most entries. The entry on "Sodom and Gomorrah," for instance, ends this way: "A number of years ago, some Israeli promoters of tourism suggested transforming the modern city of Sodom into a tourist haven with casinos, nightclubs, and even strip shows. The Chief Rabbinate in Israel sharply demurred, warning that there was nothing to prevent God from destroying the city a second time. The plan was dropped." --Michael Joseph Gross

From Library Journal

Traditionalist Rabbi Telushkin ( The Nine Questions People Ask About Judaism) presents 364 brief explanations of the most important concepts and topics concerning Judaism, Jews, and their history and culture. Each entry runs from one to three pages in length. Basic religious terms, ethics, historical events, religious texts, Jewish personalities, and more are covered in a lively, popular style. A useful feature is that each entry is followed by a short bibliography of further readings on the subject. Despite the occasional superficiality of its coverage, this book is a useful introductory course for Jewish and non-Jewish "illiterates" from teenagers on up. A useful addition for general Judaica collections.
- Robert A. Silver, Shaker Heights P.L ., Ohio
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ William Morrow; 1st edition (April 26, 1991)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 784 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0688085067
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0688085063
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.55 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.75 x 2 x 9.75 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #502,181 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #354 in Jewish Life (Books)
- #1,037 in Religion Encyclopedias

Customer Reviews:
161 ratings

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5 star		83%
4 star		7%
3 star		7%
2 star		2%
1 star		1%

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Top reviews from the United States

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Susannah Merrill

Simply Amazing

Reviewed in the United States on November 29, 2008

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I was prepared for an onslaught of WAY too much information. I'm converting, and I'm determined to get my study on, but I didn't expect to enjoy it so much. This book is amazing. I don't know that it's comprehensive, but certainly it covers all the major topics of Judaism and a ton of minor ones in great detail. The wonderful part is how wonderfully written it is; I've been kept simply fascinated for 300 pages now. I insist on reading paragraphs out loud to my family. I never thought I'd be so interested in the creation of the state of Israel. I'm so thankful for this book. Rabbi Telushkin covers these topics honestly, concisely and freshly, giving me lots to chew on and plenty of resources to go to for more information as necessary. Another thing I appreciate is that he is as fair as possible. Not easy in a complex and sometimes horrifying world.

One last thing: Not that it matters, but the physical presentation of this book is among the most gorgeous I've seen. Not in an "you're afraid to open it" sort of way, but more a "you take pleasure in the beauty of it with every page you turn". I can't recommend it highly enough.

5 people found this helpful

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Dr. John Laughlin

Jewish Literacy for Christians

Reviewed in the United States on November 10, 2007

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This is such an enjoyable and educational book! It is full of wise stories and insights about the Bible and Jewish life that will profit everyone who reads it. The Rabbbi is a gifted writer and exteemly knowledgeable.
The book is devided into a page or two chapters that are easy and pleasant reading. Every page brings new information or a slant on things I had never considered.
There are Christians who avoid what they call the OT believing it has little to do with them. But, we are Judeo Chrisitans who are a branch of Judiasm and it is to our Abrahamic roots we owe the life of our faith. The more we know about Judiasm the more we know of Jesus and the faith he believed in and lived by.
Get this book, get an education and deepen your faith.

One person found this helpful

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G. Delaney

A Christian Seeking Biblical Understanding

Reviewed in the United States on March 5, 2016

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It might seem incongruous for a Christian believer to purchase a hefty book about the Jewish faith, but what better way to familiarize oneself with the religion, history, and traditions of the people from whom Jesus came? A ready reference book to both the Old and New Testaments was my goal, and this work fits the bill wonderfully. This book was recommended by one of my students, who is Jewish, since it was her way of better understanding her own faith system. It is a fascinating work in historical, cultural, and spiritual contexts.

3 people found this helpful

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Sassy

Helpful

Reviewed in the United States on December 27, 2012

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This text was required for a temple literacy course forJewish & non-Jewish members. Besides the excellent instruction by Rabbi Cohen (NOLA) the text answered many questions and created more questions. Briefly and directly presented, you walk away with an appreciation for others unlike you but yet the same. At first sight you see the thickness of the text but it is well written (never over descriptive) and a very interesting read. Even without a back-up course the historic information is still easy to digest. Shalom :-)

One person found this helpful

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Amazon Customer

This is an amazing book -- it is a "bite sized" snapshot of ...

Reviewed in the United States on May 1, 2015

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This is an amazing book -- it is a "bite sized" snapshot of everything from the Tanach (Jewish bible) to various parts of Jewish history and discusses things like the Talmud and holidays, too. Think "encyclopedia." I bought mine used. I think it is out of print. . . if you buy a used copy try to get the 2001 edition which revised the original written in the early 1990s.

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The Prof.

a guide to the perplexed

Reviewed in the United States on February 21, 2010

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This "guide to the perplexed" is a tour de force. Ambitious in scope, but fastidious in scholarship. The writing is crisp, straight to the point and entertaining! As a result of the self contained structure of each chapter (albeit, very well referenced and cross-referenced) the book can be digested in small bites. It exudes warmth and a cheeky, self critical, sophisticated humour where appropriate, but is deeply thoughtful, sensitive, and insightful where needed. Telushkin's love of Judaism shines like a beacon from the pages of this tome.

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carlo

It's a book about life

Reviewed in the United States on February 8, 2012

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This book is for any one who wants to learn about life. I'm Christen bought this book years ago for myself. Was I surprised it has tons of info about Judaism. It's a life style a good clean caring about others life style.I bought another copy for a friend of mine. Who is a Judge. I figured it might help him out on the bench. If your open minded this book will open your mind and eyes.A book for all to learn. As we learn every day of our lives.

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Marie H

Everything I wanted to know but was afraid to ask...about Judaism

Reviewed in the United States on April 4, 2008

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I thoroughly enjoyed Rabbi Telushkin's book: Jewish Literacy. I started the book off skipping around reading a few sections here and there on issues I was curious about. After a bit I just gave in and started from the beginning.
Rabbi Telushkin's style of writing is very comfortable to read and even the hard subjects go down easy.
Much of what I read in Jewish Literacy I knew already, but have broader understanding of now. What I didn't know before I'm glad I learned.

One person found this helpful

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Top reviews from other countries

D. P. French

A fantastic work that is highly educational and does not drag

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 8, 2018

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This book is SO educational. I am only about a quarter of the way through but it is replete with insights. I have completed part one that gives a series of succinct highlights into key portions of the Torah and Jewish Bible. I am well into the second part that outlines the Second Commonwealth, the Mishna and the Talmud. I was no novice to part one but I have learned so much from Rabbi Joseph Telushkin and will certainly be recommending this book to some of my friends with similar interests. I am grateful for the friend who recommended it to me.

Mr. C. Burns

Very readable.

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 24, 2019

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Only just started, but so far it provokes thought.

M. Cunningham

Five Stars

Reviewed in Canada on September 26, 2017

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Excellent

noahky

Great for beginners

Reviewed in Canada on May 19, 2013

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I'm ba'al t'shuva and often feel as though I lack a basis for torah study.This is a great way to help build that background!

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