Judaism: A Very Short Introduction

• Part of a cluster of established religion titles in the series (Buddhism, Theology, Islam, Hinduism).
• The cheapest, most accessible introduction to Judaism available
• A highly readable account of the history and practices of the Jewish people, providing answers to the most frequently asked questions about Judaism

Readership: Anyone interested in Judaism as a religion and way of life. Students of theology, sociology, Jewish studies, comparative religions, Middle Eastern studies, politics.

Norman Solomon, Fellow in Modern Jewish Thought, Oxford Centre for Hebrew and Jewish Studies

"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

"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

"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

Introduction; 1. Who are the Jews? 2. How did Judaism and Christianity split up? 3. How did Judaism develop? 4. The calendar and festivals; 5. The spiritual lifeDSprayer, meditation, Torah; 6. Making a Jewish home; 7. Out of the ghetto, into the whirlwind; 8. Twentieth-century Judaism; 9. 'Eternal law', changing times; Appendix A: The Thirteen Principles of Faith, as formulated by Maimonides; Appendix B: The 'Philadelphia Platform' of Reform Judaism; Suggestions for further reading; Index