Free Downloads Judaism: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions)
Normon Solomon's succinct book is an ideal introduction to Judaism as a religion and way of life. Demonstrating the diverse nature and ethnic origin of Jewish people, Solomon explores how the religion has developed in the 2,000 years since the days of the Bible. This Very Short Introduction starts by outlining the basics of practical Judaism, including: festivals, prayers, customs, and various sects - and goes on to consider how Judaism has responded to, and dealt with, a number of key issues and debates, including the impact of the Holocaust and the establishment of the State of Israel. In this new edition, Solomon considers issues of contemporary Judaism in the 21st century, incorporating new material on the relationship between the Muslim faith and Judaism, the rise of Zohar and Kabala, and considers how the faith deals with issues such as homosexuality and gay marriage.ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.
Series: Very Short Introductions
Paperback: 168 pages
Publisher: Oxford University Press; 2 edition (September 1, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0199687358
ISBN-13: 978-0199687350
Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 0.4 x 4.4 inches
Shipping Weight: 5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #62,301 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #10 in Books > Textbooks > Humanities > Religious Studies > Judaism #26 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Judaism > History #35 in Books > History > World > Religious > Judaism
Within 150 pages, Solomon tries to give a very basic but nonetheless wide-ranging introduction to Judaism. Solomon was a fellow in Modern Jewish Thought at Oxford, and one of the major themes of his book is that Judaism is very difficult to define exactly. He emphasizes that Judaism is not a direct continuation of the religion of ancient Israel, but has its real beginnings in the dogma of rabbinic Judaism. This dogma has then been engaged by new religious movements, or left behind by those or see Judaism as just an ethnic identity or a general outlook on life. What Solomon gives us in his book is less one coherent faith, and more a variety of sometimes mutually contradictory beliefs and traditions that have all been referred to as Jewish.One major defect of this VSI is its failure to discuss antisemitism. At a time when lame antisemitism is making a comeback due to the political situation in the Middle East, I wish Solomon could have offered some response to the argument that Judaism is a "racist religion", with membership in the faith and ethnic origin almost always tightly interwined. In fact, the entire phenomenon of conversion to Judaism is not discussed at all.
Just started to read it but it seems a very comprehensive look at the history, culture and religion of Judaism as lived by the people. A lot of detail crammed into a very small book so I do recommend it.
Great read, very informative, and just as seller had listed its condition (great!). Overall great experience
I was pleased with the book.
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