Judaism (An OPUS Book) - Hardcover

De Lange, Nicholas

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0192191985 ISBN 13: 9780192191984

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 1986

Synopsis

What is Judaism? What is the Jewish creed? Most people--even those who call themselves Jews--would be hard-pressed to answer this question. The reason, according to Nicholas de Lange, is that the very idea of a religion has been artificially imposed on Judaism. "The term 'religion' has been foreign to Judaism until relatively recently," he writes, "when the dialogue with Christianity has compelled Jews to recognize and use it. Indeed the Hebrew language does not really have a word for religion."

This book aims to set the record straight by presenting Judaism on its own terms, from the inside but in a way accessible to non-Jewish readers. Doing away with the artificial categories imposed by comparisons with Christianity allows the reader to focus on and understand perhaps for the first time the unique features of Judaism: the extraordinary emphasis on tradition ("The Jew, confronted with new ideas or changed circumstances, instinctively turns for guidance to the established norms of the past, since he has neither a canon of faith nor a human authority he can turn to"), the deep sense of community even when there is a total lack of religious commitment ("Religion is only one aspect of Jewish identity. One cannot become a Jew through subscribing to a set of religious beliefs, any more than one ceases to be a Jew by losing one's religious faith. We do not speak of 'a lapsed Jew'."), and much more.

This fascinating book ranges over the entire contemporary scene in all its diversity (Orthodoxy, ultra-Orthodoxy, Conservatism, Reform, Reconstruction, secular Judaism, Zionism), always tracing the roots of contemporary phenomena to the heritage of the past, so that the superficial diversity is balanced by an investigation of the essential unity of the tradition. Key terms are not only translated but explained and the implications explored. The language of worship plays a crucial role, familiarizing the reader with words and thoughts which are at the heart of everyday Jewish life.

About the Author:

Nicholas de Lange is Lecturer in Rabbinics at the University of Cambridge. He is also a rabbi. In addition, he has translated the works of the novelist, Amos Oz, into English.

About this title

About the Author

Professor Nicholas de Lange is the Professor of Hebrew & Jewish Studies at Cambridge University. His publications include Atlas of the Jewish World and An Introduction to Judaism, and is editor of An Illustrated History of the Jewish People.

Review

'Nicholas de Lange expounds Jewish life from the inside in his book Judaism ... with great elegance' The Jewish Quarterly

`Excellent!...only an author with a detailed knowledge of Christian theology could set out Judaism for a non-Jewish readership in such a lucid way.' Dr F.W. Golka, Dept of Theology, University of Exeter

`Brilliant, concise guide to Judaism..Lucid and attractivley written - an ideal introduction.' Dr J. Barton, Theology Faculty, University of Oxford

`I would strongly recommend it as an introduction to the subject.' N. Solomon, Dept. of Theology, University of Birmingham.'

'This is one of the finest introductions to Judaism to appear in recent years: clear, concise, and balanced in its approach. It is highly informative and at the same time conveys the notion of what it is like to be Jewish in language which is accessible.' C. T. R. Hayward, University of
Durham.

'The strength of this book lies in de Lange's presentation of his complex subject in an easily readable and comprehensible manner.'
Journal of Semitic Studies

`Brilliant, concise guide to Judaism..Lucid and attractivley written - an ideal introduction.' Professor John Barton, University of Oxford

Edition details

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 1986
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0192191985
• ISBN 13: 9780192191984
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 164