Themes and Issues in Judaism

In an attempt to gain an integrated view of Judaism, this book addresses certain themes, including the understanding of space and place, rites of passage, and attitudes toward women in religion and scripture. These themes are specifically selected to be of interest to students of religion, anthropology, and Judaism. The overall approach of the book is phenomenological, providing a detailed picture of Jewish beliefs, practices, and symbols from the perspective of a member of one of the Jewish communities or movements. The chapters are written from an internal perspective, offering a unique understanding of the ways that different Jewish sects interact with their various religious traditions. The book demonstrates both the diversity and continuity found in modern Jewish communities and illustrates the constant interplay of tradition and innovation within Judaism.

Professor Seth D. Kunin is the Director of Research in the College of Arts and Social Sciences of the University of Aberdeen. He received his PhD in Anthropology from the University of Cambridge.