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A Brief Guide to Judaism: Theology, History and Practice
Rabbi Brawer explores the many aspects of being Jewish, not just for people within the faith but also for the general reader who is interested in discovering the true story of Judaism. Brawer illustrates how, through its practice and history, the foundations of Judaism were built.
288 pages, Paperback
First published October 16, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
June 21, 2024
This is not an exempt guide do Judaism. On the contrary: the book reveals more about the author’s personal views on Judaism than about Jewish practice. His views on the State of Israel are also a shame.
The book does explains the fundaments of Judaism, and in that sense was useful, but I’m sure there are much better books.
The book does explains the fundaments of Judaism, and in that sense was useful, but I’m sure there are much better books.
June 19, 2019
Judaism by Naftali Brawer
In this paperback publication, publishing house Robinson, 270 pages, across 3 books, 12 chapters, illustrations and a glossary.
An interesting insight into Judaic history, religion and lifestyle. Brawer arguably knows his subject, and he is a practicing Rabbi, however one slight question that might be raised is the danger of the depth into which the author might go in relation to the practice of Judaism in a publication of this size, without losing the reader in the complications of different religious interpretations? Here I would question the work.
Overall a book worth reading, and certainly one that I would recommend.
In this paperback publication, publishing house Robinson, 270 pages, across 3 books, 12 chapters, illustrations and a glossary.
An interesting insight into Judaic history, religion and lifestyle. Brawer arguably knows his subject, and he is a practicing Rabbi, however one slight question that might be raised is the danger of the depth into which the author might go in relation to the practice of Judaism in a publication of this size, without losing the reader in the complications of different religious interpretations? Here I would question the work.
Overall a book worth reading, and certainly one that I would recommend.
December 10, 2021
although I was born a Christian, I found this book very interesting. It goes from an education about the religion, to the history of the of the Jewish nation. to the practice and the Jewish festivals. I really enjoyed reading this book
August 23, 2018
Einige sehr gute und interessante Infos, aber der Schreibstil war am Anfang zu kompliziert und der Autor hat manchmal ganz schön lange über unwichtige Details geschrieben
September 17, 2018
Really easy to read. Great scope on most aspects of the religion. Very good to get to know it better.
August 6, 2019
I would have liked this book to have a brief FAQ section.
February 8, 2020
Concise, but I'd change the title to "Very Brief"
February 14, 2020
Not deep in the analysis, but enough to have a good view on Judaism
December 23, 2014
The book: A Brief Guide To Judaism
The author: Naftali Brawer, Rabbi and CEO of the Spiritual Capital Foundation
The subject: An introduction to and overview of Judaism – its history, theology and culture.
Why I chose it: I went into the library to get out a book on Zoroastrianism (soon to be read and reviewed) and noticed this. I knew a bit about Judaism, but not in depth, so fancied learning more and picked this up too.
The rating: Three out of five stars
What I thought of it: This book wasn't exactly what I expected or was looking for, but I enjoyed parts of it nonetheless. If I could have a book-long version of the final section, "Practice", with a slightly more accessible version of the previous two, "Theology" and "History", it would have been perfect! This organisation into three sections was helpful, though within those sections things were a bit more free-flowing. This was enjoyable in places, but in others it tended towards being dense or rambling. This is clearly a book written by an Orthodox scholar, which is great if you are accustomed to reading about theology, but not so much if you're like me and just casually interested. I did learn more though and definitely have a better idea about the spiritual side of the religion, at least for the more devout adherents.
This book would probably be great for people who have an academic interest in Judaism or who are used to theological discussions, but it wasn't quite what I was after. I'm still glad I read it though and learned some interesting things.
Just one more thing: This is definitely more on the cultural side of Judaism than the theological, but here is my favourite klezmer tune. Or, at least, one of my many favourites.
The author: Naftali Brawer, Rabbi and CEO of the Spiritual Capital Foundation
The subject: An introduction to and overview of Judaism – its history, theology and culture.
Why I chose it: I went into the library to get out a book on Zoroastrianism (soon to be read and reviewed) and noticed this. I knew a bit about Judaism, but not in depth, so fancied learning more and picked this up too.
The rating: Three out of five stars
What I thought of it: This book wasn't exactly what I expected or was looking for, but I enjoyed parts of it nonetheless. If I could have a book-long version of the final section, "Practice", with a slightly more accessible version of the previous two, "Theology" and "History", it would have been perfect! This organisation into three sections was helpful, though within those sections things were a bit more free-flowing. This was enjoyable in places, but in others it tended towards being dense or rambling. This is clearly a book written by an Orthodox scholar, which is great if you are accustomed to reading about theology, but not so much if you're like me and just casually interested. I did learn more though and definitely have a better idea about the spiritual side of the religion, at least for the more devout adherents.
This book would probably be great for people who have an academic interest in Judaism or who are used to theological discussions, but it wasn't quite what I was after. I'm still glad I read it though and learned some interesting things.
Just one more thing: This is definitely more on the cultural side of Judaism than the theological, but here is my favourite klezmer tune. Or, at least, one of my many favourites.
October 12, 2023
This is a book that I actually began reading about six years ago. I'm not really sure why I stopped reading it.
I am not Jewish, and I dont fully agree with some of this man's views, though it was still an interesting read. The title is a bit misleading in the sense that it does not cover all of Judaism. It also has some of the Rabbi author's opinions interwoven with the text, albeit mostly brief. The author makes predictions that are acceptable, yet I'm not sure if I agree with a few of them. With the title and the opinions added along with explanations of two sides of any given debate, I got the impression that Brawer feels that Orthodox is the only legitimate form of Judaism. Hmm.
Informational, it was what I was looking for. A somewhat complete explanation of the faith, along with the very helpful history. Naturally, the Holocaust was the hardest part to read about. As far as the Jewish life cycle, the part on death was equally difficult to read. This book is very helpful and worth keeping for reference.
My Notes:
October 4th, 2011: The last time I read this book, I made it to page 182, but I've decided to start it over. I need a review in Judaism anyway."
October 5th, 2011:
Pg 22, 7.64%: "Ah review!"
October 10th, 2011:
Pg 22, 7.64%: "No, you're not misreading. I'm still on the same page lol. Been busy with planning a mini trip outta the city so I haven't had much chance for reading."
October 18th, 2011:
Pg 44, 15.28%: "Gonna read some more of this book and be on later."
October 7th, 2017:
Pg 182, 56.88%: "I'm now on the page where I'd stopped reading about six years ago. I don't remember why I stopped reading it. Now to finish this book."
I am not Jewish, and I dont fully agree with some of this man's views, though it was still an interesting read. The title is a bit misleading in the sense that it does not cover all of Judaism. It also has some of the Rabbi author's opinions interwoven with the text, albeit mostly brief. The author makes predictions that are acceptable, yet I'm not sure if I agree with a few of them. With the title and the opinions added along with explanations of two sides of any given debate, I got the impression that Brawer feels that Orthodox is the only legitimate form of Judaism. Hmm.
Informational, it was what I was looking for. A somewhat complete explanation of the faith, along with the very helpful history. Naturally, the Holocaust was the hardest part to read about. As far as the Jewish life cycle, the part on death was equally difficult to read. This book is very helpful and worth keeping for reference.
My Notes:
October 4th, 2011: The last time I read this book, I made it to page 182, but I've decided to start it over. I need a review in Judaism anyway."
October 5th, 2011:
Pg 22, 7.64%: "Ah review!"
October 10th, 2011:
Pg 22, 7.64%: "No, you're not misreading. I'm still on the same page lol. Been busy with planning a mini trip outta the city so I haven't had much chance for reading."
October 18th, 2011:
Pg 44, 15.28%: "Gonna read some more of this book and be on later."
October 7th, 2017:
Pg 182, 56.88%: "I'm now on the page where I'd stopped reading about six years ago. I don't remember why I stopped reading it. Now to finish this book."
July 23, 2016
Escrito por un rabino del movimiento hasídico, el libro relata la historia de la religión judía, la evolución de su gente y los ritos y tradiciones que deben cumplir. Particularmente interesante es la sección práctica del día a día, las fiestas del año y el ciclo de vida de los judíos.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews