An Introduction to Judaism

This book studies the unique concept of Jewish peoplehood and its survival over the centuries in the face of many challenges.

Nicholas de Lange (Author)

9780521735049, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 3 December 2009

272 pages, 6 b/w illus. 2 maps 3 tables
22.6 x 15 x 1.8 cm, 0.44 kg

'It manages as well to provide an excellent sense of the intertwined historical development of the Jews and their religious civilization … De Lange brings comprehensive learning to his task, a love of clear language, and a scrupulous fairness to all elements of the contemporary Jewish scene. I recommend the work for introductory college courses or for adult education settings.' Religious Studies Review

In this book contemporary Judaism is presented in all its rich diversity, including both traditional and modern theologies as well as secular forms of Jewish identity. While the focus of the book is on developments that have taken place in the past two hundred years, they are set against a historical background, going back to the Bible. Beginning with a description of the Jewish people as it exists in today's world, it studies the unique concept of Jewish peoplehood and its survival over the centuries in the face of many challenges. An account of the key texts is followed by studies of the different interpretations of the religion, and the ways that life is lived out both in the home and in the community. Jewish theology is described both historically and in terms of contemporary issues. An important and distinctive section considers the goals of Jewish life and faith.

List of tables
List of illustrations
Preface
Chronology
Map of the Jewish world in 1930
Map of the Jewish world in the 2000s
1. The Jews in the world
2. The Jewish people and its past
3. Jewish books
4. The Jewish religion
5. The family
6. The community
7. God and the Jewish people
8. Objectives
9. Judaism and the future
Glossary
Further reading
Index.

Subject Areas: Judaism [HRJ], Religion: general [HRA], Middle Eastern history [HBJF1]