Judaism

by Nicholas de Lange

In this thoroughly revised new edition, Nicholas de Lange examines the basic elements of Judaism, both as a religion and a way of life. Assuming no prior knowledge, the book opens with an account of the Jewish people and the main lines of its history. The following eight chapters are structured around this historical framework and focus on the different strands that make up the fabric of Judaism. The Torah and tradition, worship, the Bible, law, ethics, mysticism, theology and eschatology are all discussed, with a final chapter exploring the problems facing Judaism today, helping to illustrate that Judaism is a living and important religion.

Genres: Nonfiction

184 pages, Paperback

First published April 3, 1986

About the author

Nicholas Robert Michael de Lange (often known simply as N. de Lange) (7 August 1944, Nottingham) is Professor of Hebrew and Jewish Studies at the University of Cambridge and is an ordained Reform rabbi. He was taught and ordained by the British Reform rabbi Ignaz Maybaum, a disciple of Franz Rosenzweig.

Reviews

[Samuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was illuminating to a Christian like me who had only assumptions on what Judaism actually means. I can now see a similarity of all the monotheistic religions, this similarity is not in creed but with how each of them deal with sacred scriptures. The human aspect of dealing with revelation is somehow similar. Many questions I had before was answered and I actually want to know more.

[Justin Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very erudite succinct, literate and modern. Very much worth a read. De Lange besides being a rabbi has also translated the works of Amos Oz.