Judaism: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions) - Softcover

Solomon, Norman

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0199687358 ISBN 13: 9780199687350

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 2014

Synopsis

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.

About this title

About the Author

Norman Solomon is now retired, but was a Fellow in Modern Jewish Thought at the Oxford Centre for Hebrew and Jewish Studies, and is affiliated to the Faculty of Oriental Studies at Oxford University. He is the author of Historical Dictionary of Judaism, 2nd edition (Scarecrow Press Inc, 2006).

Review

"Throughout Solomon's Judaism there is a freshness of approach which will make it interesting to those who already know something about Judaism. The conversational style will also make it valuable for beginners."

--Marcus Braybrooke, Church Times 21/01/1997

"Just as its name implies, this series features concise works that aim to give a crisp insight into otherwise complicated topics ... complicated subjects are condensed and made simple, to whet the appetite or provide just enough material for those with a casual interest."

--Bournemouth Evening Echo 11/03/1997

"Norman Solomon has achieved the near impossible with his enlightened Very Short Introduction to Judaism. He manages to keep the reader engaged, never patronizes, assumes little knowledge but a keen mind, and takes us through Jewish life and history with such gusto that one feels enlived,
rather than exhausted, at the end."

--Rabbi Julia Neuberger

"A magnificent achievement. Dr Solomon's treatment, fresh, very readable, witty and stimulating, will delight everyone interested in religion in the modern world."

--Louis Jacobs, University of Lancaster

"This book will serve a very useful purpose indeed. I'll use it myself to discuss, to teach, agree with, and disagree with, in the Jewish manner!"

--Rabbi Lionel Blue

Edition details

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 2014
• ISBN 10: 0199687358
• ISBN 13: 9780199687350
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 151