Judaism FD 2e - Softcover

Falcon, Rabbi Ted

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1118407512 ISBN 13: 9781118407516

Publisher: For Dummies, 1955

Synopsis

Your plain-English guide to Judaism

Whether you're interested in the religion or the spirituality, the culture or the ethnic traditions, Judaism For Dummies explores the full spectrum of Judaism, dipping into the mystical, meditative, and spiritual depth of the faith and the practice.

In this warm and welcoming book, you'll find coverage of: Orthodox Jews and breakaway denominations; Judaism as a daily practice; the food and fabric of Judaism; Jewish wedding ceremonies; celebrations and holy days; 4,000 years of pain, sadness, triumph, and joy; great Jewish thinkers and historical celebrities; and much more.

• Updates to the "recent history" section with discussions of what has happened in the first decade of the twenty-first century including: the expansion of orthodox political power in Israel; expansion of interfaith work; unfortunate recent anti-Semitic events; and other news
• Expanded coverage of Jewish mysticism and meditation, which has become increasingly popular in recent years
• New coverage on Jewish views of morality, including birth control, homosexuality, and environmental concerns
• Revised recipes for traditional Jewish cooking, updated key vocabulary, and Yiddish phrases everyone should know

Jews have long spread out to the corners of the world, so there are significant Jewish communities on many continents. Judaism For Dummies offers a glimpse into the rituals, ideas, and terms that are woven into the history and everyday lives of Jewish people as near as our own neighborhoods and as far-reaching as across the world.

About this title

From the Back Cover

Learn to:

• Explore the full spectrum of Judaism
• Grasp the spiritual depth of the faith and practice
• Discover the rituals, ideas, and terms woven into everyday Jewish life

A fascinating look at what being Jewish is all about

If you want to reconnect with your Jewish heritage, or if you're just curious about the Jewish experience, then this updated guide is for you. In Judaism For Dummies, you'll discover key Jewish beliefs and traditions, understand the importance of Jewish history, learn about Jewish holiday celebrations, and much more.

• Judaism 101 — get to know the basic practices and ethical foundations of Judaism, like kosher laws, what happens in worship services, and what Judaism says about war and the environment
• The wheel of life — discover how Judaism honors and celebrates the major stages of life with rituals, including the bris (circumcision and naming for boys), brit bat (welcoming and naming for girls), Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, weddings, and funeral rites
• A fascinating history — delve into the highlights and the low points of Jewish history — from the Biblical stories to modern day — focusing on what you need to know and why you need to know it
• Take action — explore every major Jewish holiday, from the weekly Shabbat to the week-long Sukkot, and how they're celebrated and observed

Open the book and find:

• People you should know about
• Answers to common questions about Judaism
• A quick, easy-in/easy-out guide to prayers and blessings
• A calendar of Jewish holidays
• Spiritual and historical components of Judaism
• The day-to-day aspects of being Jewish
• Recipes for traditional Jewish foods

About the Author

Rabbi Ted Falcon PhD, one of the pioneers of contemporary Jewish and interfaith spirituality, is a writer, teacher, and spiritual counselor in private practice. David Blatner is an award-winning author of 15 books, including Spectrums: Our Mind-Boggling Universe From Infinitesimal to Infinity.

About this edition

• Publisher: For Dummies
• Publication date: 1955
• ISBN 10: 1118407512
• ISBN 13: 9781118407516
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 432