Judaism: History, Belief and Practice - Softcover

Cohn-Sherbok, Dan

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0415236614 ISBN 13: 9780415236614

Publisher: Routledge, 2003

Synopsis

Written by an experienced university teacher, who is also a scholar and rabbi, this extensive textbook presents an unrivalled guide to the history, belief and practice of Judaism. Beginning with the ancient Near-Eastern background, it covers early Israelite history, the emergence of classical rabbinic literature and the rise of medieval Judaism in Islamic and Christian lands. It also explores the early modern period and the development of Jewry throughout the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Extracts from primary sources are used to enliven the narrative and provide concrete examples of Jewish civilization. Judaism:

• introduces texts and commentaries, including the Hebrew Bible, rabbinic texts, mystical literature, Jewish philosophy and Jewish theology
• provides the skills necessary to understand these step-by-step
• explains how to interpret the major events in nearly 4,000 years of Jewish history
• supports study with discussion questions on the central historical and religious issues, includes key reading for each chapter and an extensive bibliography
• illustrates the development of Judaism, its concepts and observances, with nearly 200 maps and photographs.

A companion website links each chapter to other online resources, and gives guidance on activities and support for teachers.

About this title

About the Author:

Dan Cohn-Sherbok is an American-born rabbi and Professor of Judaism at the University of Wales, Lampeter.

Review:

'Judaism: History, Belief and Practice ... will amaze. It's encyclopaedic cover of the entirety of the learned output of 4,000 years of Jewish life is a feat in itself. It is certainly to be recommended ... a truly fine book.' - Brian Fox, Jewish Telegraph

'There is no doubt that this is an excellent introductory text for undergraduates and A level students. The chapters provide useful chunks of bite-size information with suitable resources to explore key concepts ... I have no reservations in making it the set text for my undergraduate introduction to Judaism.' - Dr Deidre Burke, British Journal of Religious Education

"Judaism by Dan Cohn-Sherbok is the most comprehensive introduction to Judaism available to American undergraduates. The concise chapters of this book provide excellent background information on Jewish history, culture, and religion. As a teacher, I can build upon this information when we pursue critical issues in specialized classes in Jewish Studies. My undergraduate students at this liberal arts college praise the encyclopedic character of the book as well as the maps and text samples. Many of my students keep this book as a future reference work." - Rivka Ulmer, The John D. & Catherine T. MacArthur Chair in Jewish Studies, Bucknell University

About this edition

• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 0415236614
• ISBN 13: 9780415236614
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 608