Religions of the World Series: Judaism

Beginner's Guide (Oneworld Publications)

by Dan Cohn-Sherbok, Ninian Smart

Judaism is a concise and readable survey of the history of the Jewish people from earliest exile to the creation of the State of Israel and the present day. Focusing particularly on the modern period, it provides a valuable introduction to contemporary Jewish beliefs and practices and looks at the ways in which Judaism has adapted, and continues to adapt, to the challenges of the modern world. Written in an accessible and informative style, and assuming little or no prior knowledge on the part of the reader, this book gives a basic introduction to the faith—its history, beliefs, and practices. Provides valuable pedagogy, timeline; maps; glossary; list of sacred days/festivals; suggested reading; pronunciation guide; index; feature boxes focusing on some aspects of the arts; 11 black and white pictures and artworks. Readers interested in learning more about the world's religions.

Genres: Nonfiction, Religion, Judaism, History

Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

About the author

Rabbi Professor Dan Cohn-Sherbok is Professor of Judaism at the University of Wales, Lampeter. He is the author of over fifty books including the acclaimed The Palestine Israeli Conflict: A Beginner's Guide, co-authored with Dawoud El-Alami.

Reviews

[Soheil · Rating 3 out of 5]

این کتاب را با هدف آشنایی بیشتر با دین یهود انتخاب کردم. در واقع آن سطح از اطلاعات عمومی که مد نظرم بود را کسب کردم اما احساس داشتم که کتاب تماما یک طرفه نوشته شده است. به همین دلیل نمیتوانم تمام مراتب مطرح شده در این کتاب را در خصوص فلسفه و رویکردهای نسبت به این دین بپذیرم.

[The Other Silas · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's strange how reading a book about Judaism made me feel closer to my own religion. I may have known of Judaism my entire life but there were so many things, both little and apparent, that I just didn't know. This book gave me the perfect introduction to this 3000-year-old faith. It's well-written and easy to understand. Most of the jargon is explained in the text, and it had the right amount of every aspect of the religion for a beginner's guide. It also helped that I kept "A Concise Encyclopedia of Judaism" by the same author, as reference.
My rudimentary knowledge was built upon and many questions I had from the things I'd heard were finally answered. Like the concept of the Jewish afterlife, the details of kashrut, and the divisions of the text. I finally understand the difference between the Torah, the Old Testament, the New Testament, and the Gospel. (which might be obvious to some but it always confused me.)
There are also certain differences in the Abrahamic faiths that, being a Muslim, are striking to me every time. Like the role of Prophet Haroon A.S. (Aaron) in the building of the golden calf. In the Islamic narrative, he never took part in it. He tried stopping his people but they didn't listen to him. And upon the return of Prophet Musa A.S. (Moses), the confrontation between the brothers is one of the most heartbreaking things I have ever read.
Also, the difference in which son Prophet Ibrahim A.S. (Abraham) took to sacrifice. In Judaism and Christianity, he took his son Ishaq A.S. (Isaac), whereas, in Islam, it was his son Ismail A.S. (Ishmael). This, of course, has no bearing on the quality of the book. I just find it curious every time.
Overall, it was a great beginner's guide and definitely increased my knowledge of Judaism and gave me a better understanding of it.

[Sepehr Asadi · Rating 2 out of 5]

سطحی. به خود نسخه‌ی انگلیسی‌اش ۳ ستاره می‌دادم، ولی پاورقی‌های جمهوری اسلامی حسابی میاره این کتاب رو پایین. فکر کنم خوندن کتاب مربوط به یهودیت در سری A Very Short Introduction آکسفورد خیلی مفیدتر باشه.

[Ñ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bastante básico, aprendi unas cuantas cosas tho

[Alvaro del Rio · Rating 3 out of 5]

Un poco de cultura general nunca esta mal

[Masoud · Rating 3 out of 5]

عنوان انگلیسی کتاب عبارت است از :
Judaism: A Beginner's Guide 
برای آشنایی مختصر با دین یهود نیاز به کتابی داشتم تا تشابه نسبی برخی آیین ها و قوانین و میزان وام گرفتن دو دین دیگر سامی از دین یهود، میزان تاثیر پذیری دین یهود از اساطیر بین النهرینی و مصری ( از آب گرفته شدن موسی و تشابه آن با اسطوره سارگون اکدی و یا تشابه ده فرمان موسی با قوانین حمورابی و غیره) برایم مشخص شود.

این کتاب در ابتدا و به طور متخصر به معرفی اصول، روایات، مناسک، آیین ها و طبقه بندی رهبران مذهبی قوم یهود می پردازد. در ادامه شکل گیری جوامع یهودی در دل سایر ملل و بر همکنش آنها نشان داده می شود. مهترین نقطه ضعف کتاب، مختصر بودن بیش از حد تمام مطالب آن است که اجازه درک کامل موضوعات متعدد مطرح شده را نمی دهد و خواننده مجبور است به منبع دیگری مراجعه نماید. اگر نیاز به بررسی دقیق تر از این آیین ها و مناسک و برهمکنش ادیان سامی و سایر مذاهب هستید، کانال یوتیوب ReligionForBreakfast  با ویدیوهای بسیار جذاب و توضیحات خوب پیشنهاد می شود.

[Any Length · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was great. It answered all my questions about Judaism. I now have a much better understanding of their Judaism and especially orthodox Judaism. Talk about being commited to your faith. Wow.

[Kira · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really interesting!

[Roger Buck · Rating 3 out of 5]

Accessible, useful guide to our elder brothers from our elder brothers ...

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