Judaism: All That Matters
Published on 31. August 2012
Book
Paperback/Softback
160 pages
978-1-4441-5672-0 (ISBN)
Description
It says 'Judaism' on the front of this book, so perhaps you are expecting a book that explains the Jewish religion. But that would be selling you short.
This is a book about the Jewish people - and the Jewish people with their long history and diversity, are bigger than the sum total of Jews' beliefs and rituals. Not all Jews share a common belief system and not all are religiously practicing. So this book will discuss the Jewish religion but it will also do more, covering aspects of Jewish life that do not easily fit under the category of 'religion', such as Jewish history, politics, identity and culture.
For a group of people so limited in number, the Jewish community has had a huge impact on both global events and local politics. In this vibrant book, sociologist and cultural critic Keith Kahn-Harris provides a remarkably sharp insight into this history, and particularly the diverse Jewish communities (and diverse ideas of Jewishness) that exist today.
This is a book about the Jewish people - and the Jewish people with their long history and diversity, are bigger than the sum total of Jews' beliefs and rituals. Not all Jews share a common belief system and not all are religiously practicing. So this book will discuss the Jewish religion but it will also do more, covering aspects of Jewish life that do not easily fit under the category of 'religion', such as Jewish history, politics, identity and culture.
For a group of people so limited in number, the Jewish community has had a huge impact on both global events and local politics. In this vibrant book, sociologist and cultural critic Keith Kahn-Harris provides a remarkably sharp insight into this history, and particularly the diverse Jewish communities (and diverse ideas of Jewishness) that exist today.
Reviews / Votes
The first impression is visually attractive and the layout of chapters, spiced with photographs and summary paragraphs, inviting to the reader. It has lighter elements and is well written, informative and thought-provoking and the excellent reading list whets the appetite for more in-depth study. * Jewish Renaissance * This book provides a most helpful compendium of basics about Judaism and Jewishness. * Times Higher Education * Judaism:All that Matters really does cover everything. * TES * Kahn-Harris has produced a stimulating read that covers the very breadth of Judaism, no mean feat in such a compact work; he shies away from nothing, controversies, divisions and conflicts.There are so many introductions to Judaism, but for those who want an up-to-date, honest and informative volume then this is as good a place to start as anywhere. * Methodist Recorder * His understanding of the contemporary Jewish work is often spot on, and he communicates this understanding in a clear and engaging way. * Jewish Quarterly *
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
United Kingdom
Publishing group
John Murray Press
Dimensions
Height: 176 mm
Width: 127 mm
Thickness: 15 mm
Weight
226 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-4441-5672-0 (9781444156720)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Keith Kahn-Harris
Judaism: All That Matters
E-Book
10/2012
John Murray Learning
€3.99
Available for download
Person
Keith Kahn-Harris is a sociologist and writer based in London. His books include 'Turbulent Times: The British Jewish Community Today' (with Ben Gidley). He has written for many publications including the Guardian, the New Statesman, the Jewish Chronicle, the Jewish Quarterly, the Times Literary Supplement and Times Higher Education. He also teaches social research methods at Birkbeck College and the Open University.