|
Books
Introduction to Judaism
Here are a few books to introduce you to Judaism as a religion. Each movement within Judaism possesses its own thoughts, ideas, and approaches to worship and theology, and this list is an attempt to provide books from each of these perspectives.
- The Tapestry of Jewish Time: A Spiritual Guide to Holidays and Life-cycle Events / by Nina Beth Cardin, c.2000.
Rabbi Nina Beth Cardin introduces the reader to Jewish holidays, life cycle events, and prayers and rituals for the home from the perspective of the Conservative movement.
- To Be a Jew: A Guide to Jewish Observance in Contemporary Life: Selected and Compiled from the Shulhan Arukh and Responsa Literature, and Providing a Rationale for the Laws and the Traditions / by Hayim Donin, 2001.
Written from an Orthodox perspective, this book provides a comprehensive overview of Jewish religious beliefs and practices including ethics, dietary laws (Kosher/Kashrut), Sabbath, family life, holy days, and life cycle events (circumcision, conversion, Bar-Mitzvah, Bat-Mitzvah, death and mourning).
- The Jewish Book of Why. Rev. ed. / by Alfred J. Kolatch, , 2003.
An excellent guide to Jewish rituals and practices, Rabbi Kolatch explores Judaism by asking and answering questions that puzzle both Jews and non-Jews alike on topics such as the dietary laws, the synagogue, Passover, marriage and divorce, the High Holidays, and minor observances.
- The Second Jewish Book of Why / by Alfred J.Kolatch, c1985.
A sequel to The Jewish Book of Why, Rabbi Kolatch continues asking and answering questions about Judaism on subjects such as the differences between Judaism and Christianity, theology and prayer, death and mourning, and laws and customs.
- Nine Questions People Ask About Judaism / by Dennis Prager and Joseph Telushkin, c1981.
Similar to Rabbi Kolatch’s The Jewish Book of Why series, Dennis Praeger and Joseph Telushkin present both Jews and non-Jews with nine questions that get to the heart of Jewish beliefs. Questions include: Can one doubt God’s existence and still be a Jew? Why do we need organized religion or Jewish laws—Isn’t it enough to be a good person? How do I start practicing Judaism?
- Profiles in American Judaism: The Reform, Conservative, Orthodox, and Reconstructionist Traditions in Historical Perspective / by Marc Lee Raphael, c1984.
Written by a Reform rabbi, this book introduces the reader to the four main movements within Judaism. It explains the differences in beliefs and approaches to Jewish ritual and practice while also illustrating the unity and feeling of community that exists among Jews no matter their affiliation.
- Jewish Literacy: The Most Important Things to Know About the Jewish Religion, Its People, and Its History / by Joseph Telushkin, 1991.
A long but worthwhile read, Rabbi Telushkin covers Jewish history, culture, and religion. In spite of the voluminous coverage, this is an excellent introduction to Judaism that skillfully informs without causing information overload.
- This Is My God: The Jewish Way of Life / by Herman Wouk, c1988.
American novelist Herman Wouk author of The Caine Mutiny, The Winds of War, and War and Remembrance presents a thoughtful and easy to understand introduction to Orthodox Judaism for non-observant Jews seeking to return to their roots and non-Jews wanting to learn about Jews and their religion. While it is from the Orthodox perspective, This is My God: The Jewish Way of Life is an excellent place to begin Jewish learning.
|
