Basic Judaism

by Milton Steinberg

Rabbi Milton Steinberg's Basic Judaism is "one of the best presentations of essential Judaism" ( Christian Century ). Concise and elegant, this is a book about the faith, ideals, and practices that form the historic Jewish faith. Including both the modernist and the traditionalist view in his exploration, Rabbi Steinberg discusses the Torah, what Judaism says about God and the relationship between man and God, the nature of good and evil in a moral society, and what exists in the Kingdom of God. He also talks about the laws that define Judaism, the practices and rituals that sustain it, and the synagogue and the rabbinate that support it.For all students of Judaism—be they practicing Jews, uncommitted Jews, or curious non-Jews, Rabbi Steinberg offers a brilliant chance to understand what the Jewish faith is, why it has elicited such intense devotion, and why it remains such a mighty force in the lives of its believers and, beyond them, the world.

Genres: Judaism, Religion, Jewish, Nonfiction, Theology, Judaica, Spirituality

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1947

About the author

American author, philosopher, rabbi, teacher, and theologian

Reviews

[Joan]

As a human, it compelled me. As a woman, it left me feeling isolated.

[Cassidy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written in 1947 (!) this book is probably more controversial than the author intended (when it comes to contrasts between “traditional” and “modernist” Jews). Never the less, a poetic, beautiful, and brief documentation of Judaism. I wrote down about two dozen quotes over the course of the 170 pages.

Specifically interesting to read given it’s a present day-ish account, but written while Israel was still pre-state. Couldn’t help but saying “if you only knew what’s ahead”!

[Rikka Filkins bos · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a Jew by choice. While I read (and continue to read) many books on both the Jewish tradition and on the faith itself, this is probably the "one" that made clear to me that Judaism was to be my life's journey. I've lent my copy out several times, mostly to non-Jewish friends, and they seem to find it helpful in grasping what Judaism is. Highly recommended.

[Camilla · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm torn about this book. On the one hand, it did its job excellently--it's the first book I've found that managed to comprehensively but briefly explain the many (often opposing) facets of Judaism. On the other hand, the author managed to turn a very interesting subject into a snooze fest. I'm normally not bothered by dry, more academic writing, but this seemed a bit too dry for an introductory book. I'd recommend it for the information, but there are probably more fun ways to get the info.

[Eva Spektorov · Rating 5 out of 5]

perfect Yom Kippur read and opened my eyes to so many parts of Judaism I didn’t know about. Favorite quotes:

- In the second century Rabbi Akiba son of Joseph found the "great principle" of Judaism in the commandment laid down in Leviticus: “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself."
- “Death cannot be and is not the end of life. Man transcends death in many altogether naturalistic fashions. He may be immortal biologically, through his children; in thought, through the survival of his memory; in influence, by virtue of the continuance of his personality as a force among those who come after him; and ideally, through his identification with the timeless things of the spirit.”
- “obvious truth that the individual and the community are inextricably bound together in a common fate. To which point the rabbis spin one of their most incisive parables: “It happened once that men sat together in a boat at sea. Whereupon one of them drew forth an awl and began to bore into the boat's bottom. “Stupid one," the others cried at him, "what are you doing?" “And what concern is it of yours?" he answered. "Is it not under my own seat that I am making a hole?"”
- “Man is under the duty to express his individuality. For bearing the divine image, he bears it uniquely. No one in all the world exactly duplicates him. Therefore he is obliged to discover and develop his uniqueness. Otherwise, to all eternity some aspect of the divine nature shall have been left latent and unfulfilled.”
- “Judaism is too sensible to ask that man walk but never slip. To the contrary it predicts that he will not only slip but fall also. Its guidance is directed to the end that he shall so walk as to fall as little as possible, and, having fallen, will pick himself up, brush off the dust and go on, wiser, surer of himself and of the good he seeks.”

[Zachary · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who has considered conversion for 10+ years, I found this was a really great place to start in my exploration of Judaism. I was moved to tears on at least 3 occasions in reading this book, which says a lot considering I have only been moved to tears on a handful of occasions by books in the past.

I have always felt drawn to Judaism but have ignored that for years for one reason or another, always trying to meet others' expectations for my relationship with spirituality before my own, constantly trying to please those around me, to meet up to their expectations. It was only seeing the joy that the conversion process has brought a close friend that gave me the courage to begin my own journey. And this book was an excellent start.

I recommend it for anyone looking to learn more about Judaism, whatever your reasons.

[George Garrigues · Rating 1 out of 5]

Oh, good lord! (If you'll pardon the expression.) I began it but was immediately put off by the overly formal, overly stilted, overly self-observant use of language.

I mean, "The ancient rabbis were wont to speak . . . " wont to speak? People don't write like this any more.

"But first to the book qua book." Qua? That's a sound a duck makes.

"The simultaneous love of God and man: here is Judaism's first postulate and final inference, its point of departure and its destination, the root of it and its fruitage." Fruitage? Sounds fruitcake to me.

Like many pontifical writers, Milton Steinberg often digs up former centuries' use of the subjunctive mode to make his stuff seem really important: "But if the tradition be not self-validating . . . " Be? Methinks the author has been reading too much scripture.

So, no . . . I did not get past Chapter 2.

[Marcelo Gonzalez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a mid-year contender for the best book I've read this year (70 so far).

The most impressive aspect of this book isn't the accuracy of Milton Steinberg's claims, though no one could dispute their veracity; it is the beauty and reverence of his nearly poetic prose that stands out, a quasi-poetic style unquestionably worthy of the topic at hand.

Steinberg delves into the major aspects of Judaism and spends equal time fairly describing the divergence of each without preference to any. I intentionally read to see if I could discover his personal leaning and I was no more sure after finishing than if I had simply guessed upon first hearing his name.

Nearly 70 years after it's first publication, this book is no less poignant than the day it was penned.

[J.T.K. Gibbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book to read and reread. The style is a bit stilted, but well worth reading! The explanations are succinct and reflect the variety of Jewish expression.

[Riven · Rating 1 out of 5]

The language is too flowery to be easily understood.

[Christopher Li · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book.

-christian denominations are religious communions held together entirely by special convictions, and has to carefully define beliefs or lose identity. jews are not jut congregants of church but also a historic people and culture.
- in jewish religious literature, god as apartness from the world, his otherness; as well as his nearness and inness. Very similar to how allah is concieved in islam.
- human effort is still needed along with prayer, and then gold will respond and act to fullfill those if other conditions are satisfied. Jewish minimalists maintain prayer sways the physical world only through human agencies. Maximalists insist that quite apart form man it impinges directly on reality. My interpretation of islam leans more towards the jewish minimalist view of prayer. Most modernists are minimalists, most traditionalist jews are maximalists.
- Whys for religious practice 1. judaism as a way of life 2. Sanctification of life 3. ritual as discipline 4. ritual as pedagogy 5. ritual as participation in the historic. 6. ritual as fellowship 7. ritual as an aesthetic 8. ritual as survival mechanism.
- Unlike some other traditions, judaism does not assert of its clergy that they possess spiritual powers, conferred either by ordination or vocation, which are inaccessible to the laity. no difference exists except in training. rabbis are also not "called" by a mystical experience of illumination, and he differs only in that he is more learned than the laity. generally in practice, each rabbbi is a free autonomous spirit, deferring only to tradition and own conscience. It is now different though, the training is different, obligations are changed, but the basic attributes of moral qualification, freedom and agency as well as primarily being teachers of tradition.
- judaism has a threefold hope: 1. a hope, expectation of its ultimate deliverance and vindication
2. a hope for the individual soul, that it will not be swalloed by death but somehow attain fulfillment 3. hope for society, assurance that it will in the end be regenerated into something fairer with evils purged.
- Traditionalist affirms 3 outcomes of man's career: 1. recompense 2. immortality(man contains something independent of the flesh and surviving it, his consciousness and moral capacities, his essential personality, a soul. ideas of the afterlife are very divergent, many don't belief in a heaven or hell)3. resurrection. (even after assignment to heaven, hell, purgatory, or any other place, its not over. on some day, bodies of all the dead will arise and god will pronounce judgement whether bliss or damnation. (Jewish modernists accept less than these)
-God's kingdom is not in the future only. It is already at hand and perceptible. God's kingdom is more than a promise.
-Holy days and festivals ordained by tradition:
1. the sabbath, memorial of creation and of the exodus from egypt, day of rest for man and beast, for bond and free alike. Concluded by the havdalah, picturesque ceremonial of division wherein the gladsome and sacred day sent away with savor of wine, spices, candle.
2. new year, rosh hashanah: inauguration of a new year, anniversary according to legend of the worlds creation.
3. yom kippur(the day of atonement), a solemn whhite fast, during which from dusk to dusk faifhtul partake neither food nor drink.
4. Sukkoth(round of 9 names, first 8 celebrate completeion of harvest, the last marks the completion and rebiginning in the synagogue of the annual cycle of the reading of the torah book)
5. passover, pesah: twofold reminder of advent of springtide and liberation of israel from egypt
6. pentecost, shavuoth: part agricultural festival b/c time of grain harvest and bringing in fruits, part historical b/c commemorates revelation at sinai
7. hannukah: recollection of victory won by maccabees in cause of freedom.

Quotes I find interesting:
-" judaism claims no superiorities whatsoever for jews, at least none that are inherent to them. it does assert that they enjoy certain advantages, the nature of their religious heritage.... But these are social, cultural advantages which have to be accepted and exploited by the individual, or they are of no account. "
- "judaism indeed is totally unaware of race. ...Anyone accepting the jewish faith becomes "a child of abraham our father" and "a son of israel" of equal worth with all others. Anyone may become a jew; but no one has to do so in order to be saved, whether in this world or the next.
- "highly as the tradition esteems prayer-indeed, because it values it so highly-it insists that it be discreetly used. prayer to be efficacious must be sincere. It must bespeak genuine, not pretended aspirations."

[Jack R.]

A lucid, concise, and engaging "systematic" (if such a word can be employed) treatment of "basic" Jewish belief shared by the "Tradition" since the religion's inception. Obviously, Steinberg's summary is very much a product of mid-20th-century American Jewish thinking-- his characterization of Judaism as an anti-totalitarian faith bespeaks to the book's publication in 1947-- with its clear demarcation between "Traditionalists" (Orthodox) and "Modernists" (Conservative and Reform) Judaisms, both of which are more reflective of Ashkenazi thought and practice than Sephardic. Additionally, because the book was written too-early to grapple with the full implications of both the Holocaust and formation of Israel, "Basic Judaism" is further relegated to a specific contextual product for it does not speak on the two moments which most define Judaism as a whole today.

Yet, if one keeps these issues in mind, Steinberg is helpful in grasping key Jewish theological distinctives that so many other introductions ignore or underexplain: the notion of God, the Good Life, the Messiah, etc. Jews did and do believe these concepts and the religion's internal diversity does not prohibit Steinberg from successfully refining a consensus on a given topic (Jews are monotheists, for example, and even in today's world they almost always posture their beliefs vis-a-vis that monotheism). Edgar Bronfman's Why Be Jewish? fixates on his secularizing, moralizing obsession of the religion, while Norman Solomon's Judaism: A Very Short Introduction is deeply unfocused so as to paint only the roughest picture of historical and contemporary Jewish life and thinking. To those two, Judaism is practice without substance, and Steinberg explicates that substance which inspires the practice!

[Madeleine Lesieutre · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is really helpful for someone who knows very little about Judaism. Steinberg breaks the book up into helpful sections, and it’s not a big commitment; it’s a fairly short read. Some of the most interesting things to me were the latitude of beliefs within Judaism, the lack of effort to convert others, the thoughts on Jesus, and the thoughts on whether it is good to come up with reasons for a specific rule (as opposed to just answering “God said so”). For instance, Steinberg gives the example of food restrictions. Jews are not supposed to eat certain meats, and for meats that they can eat, it has to “be slaughtered in a prescribed manner and by a qualified person licensed to that purpose.” While some traditionalists argue that God ordained all of this and therefore it needs no further explanation, the author says that plenty of Jews are willing to speculate why. Steinberg suggests that the abstinence from certain meat has a hygienic purpose and a humanitarian purpose. This book does a bit to explain the existence of God, and a lot to argue the benefits of the beliefs and rituals. In terms of the latitude of beliefs within Judaism, some religious Jews don’t observe the dietary rules at all. Meanwhile, someone with “no theology at all may abstain from forbidden foods out of respect for the historic practices of his people.”

I would go on, but I don’t just want to write down all of the cool facts in my review; that’s what reading the book is for!

[Ambria Irlbeck · Rating 3 out of 5]

I originally bought this book without doing any research on it, picking it up only because I found it on a reading list for prospective converts. I was somewhat thrown off by the language at first and thought it was pretentious until I realized it was published in 1947. Because of this, some of the discourse, as well as the language, feels a little antiquated.

That doesn't mean it doesn't have any merit, though! This doesn't feel like a typical basic judaism book and instead focuses primarily on the philosophy behind the religion/culture/practice, rather than on the religion/culture/practice itself. It doesn't linger on the Orthodox/Conservative/Reform trichotomy and just discusses the differences between traditional practice and more modern practice, regardless of your sect.

It has a few good nuggets and is an interesting, fast read, but I wouldn't suggest this for people who are brand new to jewish concepts. It's not going to introduce you to prayers, rituals, explicit moral principles, anything concrete.

[Kale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Informative. I didn't have much knowledge of Judaism so consequently I found a pretty good starting book.

I rate it 5 stars because it got to the point (not 800 pages), let me think on my own and Milton Steinberg stabbed at the subject with different points of view. That being Traditionalist vs Modernist views of being Jewish; how that affects the lives of Jewish members.

I see myself as Agnostic, however they had an interesting take on Jesus. I think it's the main reason why the book is under 4 stars. So, heed my warning if you're unwilling to hear alternative views on Jesus.

Other than that, I definitely recommend it to people like me with limited knowledge on the subject of Judaism.

[Andie Aldred · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book i’ve read on my journey to start converting and it was probably the most important book I will carry through this process. Steinberg does a great job at presenting the most factual information about Judaism while trying to do justice to all of the forms of the religion that exist. Very good read (although extremely dense in most cases), would absolutely recommend to anyone just trying to learn!

[Judy]

Basic and understandable. The following has come to make sense to me over time:
"So in the end each man makes of the common God of Judaism his own God, an envisagement unique and peculiar to him, something intimate and private and therefore warm and compelling. " p.50

[Ronnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like this one! It's description of the practice side of things is very brief, but it's an excellent outline and introduction of Jewish thought and ethics. I still think Milton Steinberg overuses "wherefore" just a bit though.

[Jeffrey Rubenstein · Rating 3 out of 5]

Informative book about teh Jewish religion, its beliefs, ideals and practices by the 3 major sects of Judaism - Orthodox, Conservative and Reform.

[Jayde Schwerin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good read for anyone who would like to understand Judaism.

[A R · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very few citations from the Torah or Talmud leads one to believe that the beliefs of jews are not based in sacred writing.

[TrumanCoyote · Rating 3 out of 5]

Milton waxes downright eloquent at times. I must admit though that I was looking for someone a bit more objective (and not quite such a Standard Bearer for the Cause).

[Craig Barner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read "Basic Judaism" as I traveled through Israel, contributing to the enjoyment of my sojourn. As I walked the shores of the Dead Sea and the streets of Jerusalem's Old City, I found myself meditating on the generations of Jews who lived and propagated a faith and tradition steeped in ancient teachings and who had experiences that no other people has shared.

I thoroughly enjoyed "Basic Judaism." Rabbi Steinberg's presentation of Judaism is lucid and detailed, but never tedious. He crystalizes the core beliefs and practices of Jews in terms of observance, reason, salvation and other issues. I have read the Tanakh, which is also known as the Old Testament, and other books on Jewish faith and experience. From them I had a decent perception of what Judaism represents and teaches. "Basic Judaism" contributed significantly to my understanding. The book has a primer quality, but it is much more than a dry primer. Steinberg is analytical in his presentation but also thorough and loving.

People of other faiths would benefit by reading "Basic Judaism" because there are several superb discussions on topics common to all religions. For instance, "Basic Judaism" has an excellent discussion on prayer and whether it is efficacious.

Steinberg criticizes Christianity, but there is nothing wrong with that. Christians should encourage well-intentioned criticism as a way to strengthen dialogue with Jews and to develop their own religious observance. Some of Steinberg's criticisms of Jesus, however, struck me as superficial. For instance, Steinberg knocks Jesus for His occasional ill temper, such as His cursing of the fig tree in the gospels of Mark and Matthew. Every holy man shows personality traits, including "negative" ones. This criticism by Steinberg struck me as "criticism for the sake of criticism."

An interesting element to "Basic Judaism" is that the often contrasting outlooks of traditionalists and modernists within Judaism are given. This provides a fascinating look at disagreements and is an intellectual treat. Indeed, "Basic Judaism" as a whole is an intellectual treat.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

A neighbor lent this to me after I mentioned my reading project on world religions, and I decided to take a look even though I'd originally intended to read mostly scriptures and foundational writings.

This book is interesting, but definitely wouldn't be considered "basic" by today's standards, as it's pretty heavy on philosophy; I appreciated this, but I'm sure not everybody would. Jewish theology and history are obviously not my forte, but based on my prior knowledge it seems to be a pretty thorough summary of Jewish beliefs and (to a somewhat lesser extent) practices. However, modern (in the 1940s, that is) interpretations get much less space than traditional ones. The book also spends a surprising amount of space talking about Judaism's relationship to other religions (unsurprisingly, Christianity in particular), which was especially interesting. Steinberg writes well--and occasionally movingly--about his faith, but I think the book is a bit too dry to be widely appealing. And while it doesn't address the question of theism in a way I suspect skeptics or atheists would find satisfying (though, really, if you read a book like this as an atheist, you sort of have to know what you're getting into), such readers might still appreciate some of the factual / historical knowledge.

Overall, this was interesting and informative, and I'm glad I read it, but I'd recommend something more recent / less philosophical for casual readers.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked the summary points of specific beliefs and entities. The theological discussions could at times be tedious but that is what theological writing tends to do. The writing needs to explain something not all will understand. He does use a specific theological language so if a person does not have such a background it could be difficult to read. "Non-Jews" refers to others who at least believe in God or know theological language.

Even with this being an older book (1947), it still is completely useful today. I have other books to read on Judaism that I hope to compare and contrast with this one.

[Daveed Waithaka · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a fellow person of Judaism I found this book to be very informative and insightful. It covers basics of what Judaism stands for and the different aspects from different types of Judaism from Orthodox, to reform, conservative, and reconstructionist. From this book my mind as a reform jew has changed drastically and philosophically has made me more of a open minded person, not that I wasn’t before but in the way that as a jew it has been enlightened to study and find more about the people and culture that has been practiced for centuries.

[Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, excellent introduction to Judaism. Explores and explains many aspects of Judaism from a variety of different perspectives. I especially like how the writing itself is so reflective of some of the ideologies of the religion; it's not always cut and dry, but neither are the principles being reflected. Some things are clearly written in proverbial stone, but everything else is left up to you to think about, decide, and experience for yourself. Timeless.

[Stefano · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great overview of Jewish thinking and tradition. This is not a "1001 questions and answers" type book, so don't expect a lot of specific information about practice, tradition, etc. This is really a big-picture book and does a great job of communicating the gist of Judaism, which like any faith, cannot be covered by just one volume.

[Brock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent introduction to Jewish cultural and religious thought for non-Jews and even for secular Jews. Is often used as a textbook in a conversion to Judaism program but is an excellent book outside of that context.

[Zack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really a fantastic book though not what I expected. I don't know why but I expected something more technical but this was so spiritual and immersive. I'd recommend this to anyone wanting a good window into Jewish spirituality and practice.