What Do Jews Believe?: The Customs and Culture of Modern Judaism

What Do We Believe?

by Edward Kessler

A valuable resource for anyone seeking a basic understanding of what being Jewish is all about. Judaism is full of different opinions. In fact, no single definition of Judaism is acceptable to all Jews. And Judaism is not simply a series of beliefs; it is a practice and a way of life. Judaism, therefore, consists of a religion, and a culture, and a people. What Do Jews Believe? explores the variety of ways in which Jews live their religious and secular, Ashkenazi and Sephardi, Jews in Israel and Jews who live in the diaspora. Kessler asks what Judaism means and what it means to be a Jew, and explores the roots of a religion that goes back some four thousand years and was a major influence on the creation and development of both Christianity and Islam. And he examines how and why such a small number of people―amazingly the total worldwide Jewish population is estimated to be only between twelve and fifteen million―have played such a significant role in the world's history. What Do Jews Believe? looks at the roots of anti-Semitism and delves into the Zionist movement and the struggles with Palestine and Arab neighbors―stating objectively the unvarnished and sometimes painful facts of these difficult issues.With a useful chronology of Jewish history from 1800 B.C. to the present, a glossary of terms, a calendar of Jewish festivals, a list of Web resources, and a recommended further reading list.

Genres: Religion, Judaism, Jewish, History

128 pages, Paperback

First published August 7, 2006

Reviews

[Iqra Choudhry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Super-useful and rather eye-opening

[LA · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having always been surrounded by countless personal and professional contacts who are Jewish, I felt compelled to read this slim volume to try and gain a better understanding of this ancient faith. This book is very well written and was a great primer to the faith. However, in order to fully absorb the content, I need to reread this text. This is due to my own shortcomings, rather than that of the book. I am so limited in what I know about the faith that it would take me quite a while to gain any sort of working knowledge of the religion. When I am able to revisit the study of the faith again, I'll certainly look for this book once more.

[Marianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first part is a concise, understandable look at Jewish history.

[Kevin de Ataíde · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a relatively small book which I hope has served to introduce me to Judaism and pave the way to greater understanding of this ancient and venerable religion and tradition. Surprisingly, Judaism has several strands of interpretation and degrees of devotion, not unlike Christianity. There is no central body of authoritative teachings as the Catholic magisterium of bishops, aside from the Torah, of course. In that sense, it seems to me to resemble the dissolution of the Christian Church following the protestant 'reformation'.

[Jason Pike · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good start on a complex topic.

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent little book with lots of good information, told with a blend of facts and stories. It gets you started in a balanced, informative way.

[Teddy Bear Books]

I'd honestly feel weird reviewing this book with any star-rating, as I only read it for a school project on Judaism. However, it was completely informative and to-the-point, as well as just short enough to finish while the project still went on.