Jewish Literacy Revised Ed: The Most Important Things to Know About the Jewish Religion, Its People, and Its History |  | Author: Joseph Telushkin
Publisher: William Morrow
List Price: $35.00
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Rating:  9 reviews
Sales Rank: 40629
Media: Hardcover
Edition: Revised
Pages: 800
Number Of Items: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 2.3
Dimensions (in): 9.2 x 6.2 x 2.5
ISBN: 0061374989
Dewey Decimal Number: 296
EAN: 9780061374982
ASIN: 0061374989
Publication Date: June 1, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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Product Description
What does it mean to be a Jew? How does one begin to answer so extensive a question? In this insightful and completely updated tome, esteemed rabbi and bestselling author Joseph Telushkin helps answer the question of what it means to be a Jew, in the largest sense. Widely recognized as one of the most respected and indispensable reference books on Jewish life, culture, tradition, and religion, Jewish Literacy covers every essential aspect of the Jewish people and Judaism. In 352 short and engaging chapters, Rabbi Telushkin discusses everything from the Jewish Bible and Talmud to Jewish notions of ethics to antisemitism and the Holocaust; from the history of Jews around the world to Zionism and the politics of a Jewish state; from the significance of religious traditions and holidays to how they are practiced in daily life. Whether you want to know more about Judaism in general or have specific questions you'd like answered, Jewish Literacy is sure to contain the information you need. Rabbi Telushkin's expert knowledge of Judaism makes the updated and revised edition of Jewish Literacy an invaluable reference. A comprehensive yet thoroughly accessible resource for anyone interested in learning the fundamentals of Judaism, Jewish Literacy is a must for every Jewish home.
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| Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 9
Memorable, a real page-turner November 22, 2009
Michael M (Israel - variously Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Petah Tiqwa)
I first read this book five years ago, when I was first becoming religious, and now, five years later, after more than three years in yeshiva (Jewish seminary), I'm still quoting this book.
It's a real page-turner. I would open the book to a random page, read one of the short one-to-two page chapters, and let that be that. A few weeks later, every time I'd open the book, I'd find that I'd already read that random page. With hundreds of two-page-long chapters, it's a great book to read when you have five minutes and need something quick.
A remarkable book that stands the test of time July 20, 2009
therosen (New York, NY United States)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
This book brings Jewish education alive. The title and size of the tome are intimidating, the reading is not. The book is an easy read that can be the either the basis of a Jewish self-education program, or easy answers to random questions about Judaism. Rabbi Tehushkin successfully makes Judaism's essence come alive. This is no mean feat, as most readers come to the book trying to undo years of sleeping through religious school.
It's a fantastic addition to the library of any Jew or student of religion.
 A Worthwhile Survey of Judaism July 12, 2009
Ronald W. Satz (Trevose, PA United States)
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
This volume is commonly given to Jewish Confirmands, and with good reason. It covers, in a compact and well-written fashion, Jewish history, religion, and culture. There are 15 parts: 1) Bible, 2) The Second Commonwealth, the Mishna, and the Talmud, 3) Early Medieval Period: Under Islam and Christianity, 4) Late Medieval Period, 5) Modern Period--Western and Eastern Europe, 6) Zionism and Israel, 7) The Holocaust, 8) American-Jewish Life, 9) Soviet Jewry, 10) Antisemitism, 11) Jewish Texts, 12) Jewish Ethics and Basic Beliefs, 13) The Hebrew Calendar and Jewish Holidays, 14) Life Cycle, and 15) Synagogue and Prayers. This volume is much easier to read than an alphabetically-organized encyclopedia.
The author is a member of the Modern Orthodox movement (which combines traditional Talmud study with secular study). His work treats quite fairly the three largest denominations of Judaism (Orthodox, Conservative, Reform), but the section on Mordecai Kaplan and Reconstructionist Judaism is rather weak--a much better summation is given by Emanuel S. Goldsmith in the Preface to Dynamic Judaism (pp. 15-30). Humanistic Judaism isn't treated at all.
The typography is very good; I found just two typos (p. 345, "statue" instead of "statute"; p. 364, "Orthodox rabbits" instead of "Orthodox rabbis"). The index is fine, but there is no glossary of terms. One glaring omission in the history section is a table of famous, accomplished Jews in the areas of mathematics, science, engineering, business, philosophy, music, and sports. (The history section is really very gloomy and disturbing; it ignores the lives of many high-achieving and happy Jews.) Leon Trotsky is covered, but Ayn Rand isn't! The section on theodicy discusses supernaturalism and atheism, but not transnaturalism. The section on afterlife fails to compare and contrast bodily resurrection versus reincarnation (held by many Jewish thinkers, beginning with Philo). There are sources and further reading at the end of each topic, but there is no bibliography at the end of the work. Other than these few minor issues, there isn't much to complain about--the book is recommended to both Jews and non-Jews.
Jewish Literacy April 12, 2009
Robert M. Braun (Rockaway, NJ)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
An excellent overview of literary and historical sources that has shaped the history of Judaism to the present time.
Literacy April 10, 2009
Kenneth H. Smith (Buffalo New York)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
This book goes deeper and broader than a "sampler". It is very well written and covers range is phenomenal. If you are looking to deepen your understanding of the Jewish religion and broaden your understanding of and capability to preach from the Old Testament, I recommend it.
Showing reviews 1-5 of 9
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