Judaism for Dummies
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Judaism isn’t a race or even a particular culture or ethnic group. There are about 13 or 14 million Jews spread around the world, including about 6 million in the United States and about 5 million in Israel – so Judaism clearly isn’t “a nation.” So what does it mean to be Jewish? Here are the basics:
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
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. |
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Like the many other Dummies books, Judaism for Dummies organizes a wealth of material into an easy-reading format with a warm, accessible voice. Readers can expect to find translations of common Yiddish words, the difference between Orthodox and other denominations, the meaning and rituals of high holidays, the origins of the Jewish people, and a stirring passage about the Holocaust.
The authors make this book especially engaging by deftly tackling those "I've always wondered..." kinds of questions about Judaism. For instance, what are the guidelines for kosher food? What's the Jewish version of sin? Was Marilyn Monroe really Jewish? (Yes, she converted.) And what exactly do Jews believe about God? The authors answer this last question with characteristic reverence and humor: "Some Jews see God as an external force, a Being outside of the universe.... Some Jews say that God contains the Universe.... Other Jews say that God is the universe.... The one thing that Jews won't argue about, period, is that God--whatever you imagine God to be--is ultimately unknowable and therefore un-nameable." They also note that Jews argue with God in order to know God better. They're called "Children of Israel" because of the biblical story in which Jacob wrestles with an angel and gets his name changed to Israel, meaning "one who wrestles with God." The authors' lively voices give this stylistically formatted book a unique personality. Sometimes they sound as though they're telling jokes at a dinner party: "Have you heard the one about the two rabbis arguing over the Torah?" and "Yom Kippur means always having to say you're sorry." Other times they sound like fireside elders sharing the old stories of an ancient faith. This is an excellent book for someone preparing to become a bar or bat mitzvah. It could also be helpful for gentiles marrying into Jewish families, or any adult who is planning on converting. --Gail Hudson |
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| 02-13-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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This book is really helping me to understand even more judaism, I didn't even imagine that I could find all the information I need to get started in just one book!
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-08-26 08:52:43 EST)
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| 01-07-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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This book is especially helpful for those who align themselves with Judaism or simply do not understand the Jewish community or faith and its long-standing oppression. It explains in detail the differences in Jewish religion and their cultural importance. It is a book that contains humor and isn't militant about the Jewish faith. It is unpretentious and a great investment for anyone who is curious. It was a wonderful guide to Yiddish and commonly used Hebrew words. It is indexed to boot!
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-02-14 22:04:39 EST)
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| 03-17-07 | 3 | 1\1 |
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Book gives a wide perspective on Judaism... Worth buying if on sale.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-01-08 09:03:37 EST)
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| 11-10-06 | 4 | 4\4 |
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I can't imagine how I would have survived giving a presentation during the past High Holiday, Yom Kippur.
I was faced with a room of folks that thought they knew what it was to be a Jew or to be JewISH, and not a one of them had many clues. It was nice to have this format so that I could highlight my way through what eventually became a great presentation, and a great gathering of learning women. (Review Data Last Updated: 2007-12-15 08:52:06 EST)
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| 11-09-06 | 4 | 3\3 |
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I can't imagine how I would have survived giving a presentation during the past High Holiday, Yom Kippur.
I was faced with a room of folks that thought they knew what it was to be a Jew or to be JewISH, and not a one of them had many clues. It was nice to have this format so that I could highlight my way through what eventually became a great presentation, and a great gathering of learning women. (Review Data Last Updated: 2007-03-17 10:45:41 EST)
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| 09-12-06 | 5 | 3\3 |
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Here to take its place in the greatest informational series this side of a bookshelf full of encyclopedias, Judaism For Dummies continues the "Dummies" tradition of educating and never boring the inquiring mind of its reader. In this volume, which tells everything that might possibly ever be asked about humanity's oldest and most profoundly world-changing religion, concise facts are presented in such a way that anyone, from children to adults, can grasp the informative answers herein. From biographies of the great figures in Judaism, to simple answers on customs, holidays, dietary requirements, beliefs, the Kabala, rabbinical laws, the hows and whys of anything Jewish, it's all explained here. There's even a delightful page dedicated to Jewish humor, which includes a sardonic joke about two Jewish men in an alley who see a pair of tough-looking men approaching. The one Jew turns to the other and says, "I think we should get out of here cause there's two of them and you and I are alone." Ha, yeah, pretty good... Judaism For Dummies is a fine source of educational material and it impressed me, as so far every book in this series has.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-12-15 08:52:06 EST)
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| 08-15-06 | 4 | 3\3 |
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So, you'd like to learn something about one of the oldest religions in the world and instead of turning to any of the thousands of published works on the subject of Judaism you turn instead to the Dummies book on the subject? Well, it worked for me. Judaism for Dummies, written by Ted Falcon and David Blatner, follows the well-known style of the series in condensing even the most complicated of matters down into comprehensible formats that can be read through in a matter of days.
There are four essential sections to the book covering essential beliefs of Judaism, the Jewish lifestyle, Jewish history, and the Jewish holidays and their meanings. My only complaint is the relative weight given to each of these sections. I was hoping for theology, but found that the page count in holidays was nearly twice as long. The history portion was excellent. I can't say, however, that Judaism looks as much more than like a routine set of ancient rituals and routines as I'd hoped. Nonetheless, as the book makes clear, Judaism is about doing, not believing. As might be expected, the authors have put everything together in a warm and witty manner, blending humor and personal anecdotes into their description to try to bring the humanity of Jewish practice into focus for the unfamiliar reader. They even include recipes and several pages of commentary on Jewish humor. They spend extensive time, similarly, in trying to showcase the differing viewpoints between the various forms of Judaism, particularly Orthodox and Reform. Though both practice the Reform version, I never had the sense that the authors were treating Orthodox beliefs as anything other than the honest (if apparently odd) convictions that they surely are. Overall Falcon and Blatner have served well as voices of their people to the world. (Review Data Last Updated: 2007-12-15 08:52:06 EST)
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| 07-29-04 | 5 | 20\20 |
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If this had been the first book I had read about Judaism, I probably would have gotten much more interested much more quickly than I did. Judaism for Dummies presents all the basic concepts of Judaism in just over 300 pages of delightful commentary. With informative sidebars and appropriate humor, this book is an excellent introduction to the Jewish faith. Appendixes include a table of the holidays for until the year 2010, an introduction to Yiddish words as well as less well known Yinglish words and basic Jewish vocabulary, and a smattering of useful blessings presented in Hebrew, transliteration, and English.
I recommend Judaism for Dummies as a first-read for anyone interested in Judaism. The one downside is that that it may be a bit simplistic for people who are already on their way to discovering the joys of the Jewish faith. (Review Data Last Updated: 2007-12-15 08:52:06 EST)
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| 07-28-04 | 5 | 14\14 |
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If this had been the first book I had read about Judaism, I probably would have gotten much more interested much more quickly than I did. Judaism for Dummies presents all the basic concepts of Judaism in just over 300 pages of delightful commentary. With informative sidebars and appropriate humor, this book is an excellent introduction to the Jewish faith. Appendixes include a table of the holidays for until the year 2010, an introduction to Yiddish words as well as less well known Yinglish words and basic Jewish vocabulary, and a smattering of useful blessings presented in Hebrew, transliteration, and English.
I recommend Judaism for Dummies as a first-read for anyone interested in Judaism. The one downside is that that it may be a bit simplistic for people who are already on their way to discovering the joys of the Jewish faith. (Review Data Last Updated: 2006-01-17 08:35:02 EST)
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| 02-04-04 | 5 | 33\36 |
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Baruch atah adonai eloheinu melech ha'olam asher kid'shanu b'mitzvotav
Dont know what this means? Read this wonderful introduction and find out. This wonderful book gives the reader many fascinating introductions to Judaism, from basic prayers and blessings to a valiant history to the many ways in which Judaism has influenced the world. From the ancient rituals to the structure of the Torah and the nature of the High Holidays. From Abraham in the desert to Judah the Maccabbee and Bar Kochba and their wars against the idol worshipers of Greece and Rome. You will not be disappointed if you are interested in Judaism or interested in what Jews believe and who Jews are and how Jews relate to Israel. Probably the only flaw with this book is that its called 'for Dummies' and no one who wants to learn about Judaism can be called Dummy in any sense of the word. Seth J. Frantzman (Review Data Last Updated: 2007-12-15 08:52:06 EST)
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| 02-03-04 | 5 | 25\26 |
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Baruch atah adonai eloheinu melech ha'olam asher kid'shanu b'mitzvotav
Dont know what this means? Read this wonderful introduction and find out. This wonderful book gives the reader many fascinating introductions to Judaism, from basic prayers and blessings to a valiant history to the many ways in which Judaism has influenced the world. From the ancient rituals to the structure of the Torah and the nature of the High Holidays. From Abraham in the desert to Judah the Maccabbee and Bar Kochba and their wars against the idol worshipers of Greece and Rome. You will not be disappointed if you are interested in Judaism or interested in what Jews believe and who Jews are and how Jews relate to Israel. Probably the only flaw with this book is that its called 'for Dummies' and no one who wants to learn about Judaism can be called Dummy in any sense of the word. Seth J. Frantzman (Review Data Last Updated: 2006-01-17 08:35:02 EST)
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| 02-01-04 | 5 | 16\17 |
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Very detailed and fun guide to Judaism. A wonderful book particularly for the non-Jew, Goyim, and possibly as a basic teaching guide for Jews who are less studious with their faith. Captures everything from who Jews are to their origins and discusses different types of worship from conservative to orthdox to the Hasidism. The book not only covers the basic beliefs but also a modest history along with chapters on the specific holidays with straight forward explanations. Even includes a glossary of frequently used Jewish words, frequently asked questions, reference information and detail on the types of cultural food with recipes. Strong points are not only the description of the beliefs but the break down of the meanings of the holidays with guides on how to act, what to expect and what to bring. This book provides a very pleasant and positive look at the faith, capturing the celebration of life along with soulful reflection. The only criticism, which is mild, is that I wish the book had a broader glossary for quick reference utilizng more terms with small bios of the critical people involved.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2006-01-17 08:35:02 EST)
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| 10-23-02 | 5 | 25\25 |
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This was the first book I ever read about Judaism, and it was a great place to start. Judaism for Dummies gives you an overview on Judaism in a lighthearted way that prepares you for later "heavier" reading on Judaism if you're interested.
The book covers everything from the holidays and food, to history and various sects of Judaism. The authors manage to do this without your really being able to distinguish whether they're Orthodox, Conservative, Reform or something other. As someone who is exploring and thinking about attending a synagogue service, the book settles your mind and lets you know what the service will be like, what will take place, what is appropriate for you to participate in and what isn't. Finally, the end of the book is filled with a glossary to help with your growing vocabulary of Jewish terms and other references. Very helpful and not overwhelming for those just beginning to learn about Judaism. (Review Data Last Updated: 2006-01-17 08:35:02 EST)
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| 04-23-02 | 5 | 11\15 |
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A great overview of just about everything Jewish there and how we relate and survive in the gentile world. I think that every religious faith should probably have a book like this. David and Rabbi Ted left me wanting more which is exactly what the book wants.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2006-01-17 08:35:02 EST)
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