The Everything Judaism Book: A Complete Primer to the Jewish Faith-From Holidays and Rituals to Traditions and Culture

by Richard D. Bank

Judaism has survived for four millennia-and many of its customs, laws, and traditions have remained exactly the same today as in the days of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The Everything Judaism Book explains the major precepts of this robust religion in language anyone can understand and appreciate.

From High Holy Days, such as Passover and Yom Kippur, to symbols and objects, such as the Star of David and the tallis prayer shawl, Jews and non-Jews alike will gain new understanding and insights into the rich diversity and seemingly endless complexity of Jewish practices and culture. Authoritative and thought-provoking, The Everything Judaism Book has been exhaustively reviewed for accuracy by Orthodox Rabbi Jacob Rosenthal and Reform Rabbi Robert Leib.

Among the questions discussed:

*How do Jews study the Torah (the five books of Moses)?
*Why do Jews keep kosher?
*Is there an afterlife?
*What are the differences between Reform, Conservative, Orthodox, and Hasidic Judaism?
*What do the mezuzah, the yarmulke, and the menorah symbolize?
*How can you tell a good bagel?

The Everything Judaism Book is a terrific introduction if you're learning the religion for the first time, a great way to brush up on facts you may have forgotten from Hebrew school, and the perfect mitzvah (good deed) gift for a friend or relative.

Richard D. Bank, Esq., has authored articles appearing in Philadelphia Jewish Exponent, Midstream, Inside, Jewish Currents, Jewish News of Greater Phoenix, Heritage Florida Jewish News, Hadassah Magazine, The Reporter, Congress Monthly (American Jewish Congress), and The Spectator. He wrote Why Be Jewish and How to Do It. He is former president of Philadelphia Children's Folkshul and former vice-chair of adult board of the Philadelphia Region B'nai B'rith Youth Organization. He lives in the Philadelphia metropolitan area.

Genres: Judaism, Religion, History, Nonfiction, Jewish, Reference

308 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[Matkie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Got it almost two years ago at a clearence sell and today I finally finished it. As a non-jew, I must say it's a really entertaining and informative reference book.

[John Strange · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I'd read several lengthy books on Judaism the last few years, I have to admit I still didn't know what a menorah was. Or the difference between the Torah and Talmud. Or the Jewish holy days. Or ...

Basically a whole plethora of items, concepts, and religious doctrines about the religion were hazy. Books like Martin Goodman's A History of Judaism and Paul Johnson's A History of the Jews, among others were great reads but their detail was staggering.

This is a simple read with information that you'll retain and absorb more easily than longer texts with paragraphs of details that obscure more down-to-earth topics.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Everything Judaism briefly covers a span of topics related to Judaism and Jewish culture. It's written in short sections making the information digestible and easier to remember. If you are looking for a deep dive into things then this book won't take you there, but if you are looking for a 101 or intro book this is a good one to pick up. Keep in mind that many of the beliefs discussed come from the orthodox branch of Judaism - the author does provide some information about how other branches (conservative, reform, and reconstructionist) practice, but the majority is orthodox.

[Chana Berlove · Rating 2 out of 5]

While there is a lot of truth to this book, I don't know where the writers got some of their facts from. I am an orthodox jew and some of the claims are false. The chanuka and purim actually happened. Hillel and shammai disagreed but respected each other and only their disagreements were mentioned to be learned from. I could go on and on. Even the sin of the golden calf is misrepresented. Yes it happened. But not as the book describes. I honestly found this book disturbing.

[Lory Hess]

I am sorry that it took me so long to actively start learning about Judaism. It's a very fascinating field and includes so many aspects. This book was a helpful overview, mainly of modern customs and religious streams. I'd like to know more about ancient Judaism but will have to look elsewhere for that.

[Diane McKenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Educational and interesting.

[Marilyn G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Everything Judaism Book

I enjoyed reading things that I have forgotten regarding customs, etc from my younger days. I am proud to be of the Jewish faith!

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful and extensive info

[Melissa M · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've always been curious about Jewish culture and religion. Raised as a Catholic, I knew the Bible stories and the seder meal, but not much else. Growing up, my next-door neighbor's mom was Jewish, and her dad was Catholic. She got to celebrate Christmas AND Hanukah! I was very jealous, obviously. This book explains all the different 'types' (for lack of a better word) of Judaism from Ultra-Orthodox to non-practicing. What I've always admired about Judaism is that even if one doesn't practice, the Jewish culture is still a part of that person. I really don't feel that (personally with Catholicism. Yes, I love Fiddler on the Roof and I will not apologize for it! I've yet to read https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3... but it's on my TBR list. I admire the practice of the mezuzah. Explanations for everything in the culture and religion. holidays included. I'd never heard of Tu BiShvat, but I really like that one.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since I live by such a large Jewish community, for some reason I find them very fascinating and enjoy reading all our their religion and lifestyles.

[David Rullo · Rating 4 out of 5]

My son bought me this book. It's exactley what you expect, a good primer and great overview of all things Jewish. It doesn't dive too deep but then it's not supposed to.

[Benjamin Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book

I enjoyed this book. It taught a great deal about Jewish Culture.I would definitely recommend this book to my friends.

[Shelly Finn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. I chose it because I enjoy reading about other religions and I love historical fiction, especially about WW 2.

[Kezscribe · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! It sells as a basic guide to judaism, but it’s not a “judaism for dummies”, it’s also good for those who already know a lot about judaism, or teshuvah students.