The oldest of the world's major faiths, Judaism as practiced today represents a tradition that goes back nearly 6,000 years. Accessible and wide-ranging, Judaism: The Basics is a must-have resource covering the stories, beliefs and expressions of that tradition.
Key topics covered include:
the Torah
Israel - the state and its people
Passover
Reform Judaism, Orthodox Judaism and Zionism
the impact of the Holocaust.
With a glossary of terms and extensive suggestions for further reading, Judaism: The Basics is an essential guide through the rich intricacies of the Jewish faith and people.
Introduction: Defining a Religion and Judaism in Particular 1. Defining Judaism through Stories 2. Who and What is Israel? The Community of Judaism and Passover 3. The Israelite Before God and the Days of Awe 4. The Individual Israelite and Israel in History: The Huppah, the Covenant of Abraham, Eating Lunch 5. The Purpose of the Law, the Ten Commandments, the Sabbath 6. God is One, Merciful and Just 7. The Formation of Normative Judaism 8. The Articulation of Normative Judaism 9. Reform, Orthodox and Conservative Judaisms, Zionism 10. The Holocaust and How Judaism Speaks Today