An Introduction to Judaism
2nd Edition
Published on 3. December 2009
Book
Hardback
272 pages
978-0-521-51350-0 (ISBN)
Description
In this book contemporary Judaism is presented in all its rich diversity, including both traditional and modern theologies as well as secular forms of Jewish identity. While the focus of the book is on developments that have taken place in the past two hundred years, they are set against a historical background, going back to the Bible. Beginning with a description of the Jewish people as it exists in today's world, it studies the unique concept of Jewish peoplehood and its survival over the centuries in the face of many challenges. An account of the key texts is followed by studies of the different interpretations of the religion, and the ways that life is lived out both in the home and in the community. Jewish theology is described both historically and in terms of contemporary issues. An important and distinctive section considers the goals of Jewish life and faith.
Reviews / Votes
Praise for the first edition: 'Nicholas de Lange has produced an excellent introduction to Judaism, which will doubtless become a standard textbook for undergraduate students. It is not an easy task to write a popular work, which does not err on the side of superficiality, but de Lange has written a lucid and impressive work. This book is one of the best short one volume works on the subject of Judaism to the knowledge of this reviewer.' CCJJ '... this book is invaluable.' The Times Literary Supplement 'Written with clarity and in a very pleasing style.' Expository Times 'De Lange has written this remarkably comprehensive analysis of Jews and Judaism. ... De Lange has clearly satisfied his objective, offering an overall introduction to Judaism that will be useful to both Jewish and non-Jewish readers.' Publishers Weekly '... a valuable reference ... but it is more than that, it provides stimulating introduction to a major world culture.' The Jerusalem Post '... this volume provides a solid foundation for the study of contemporary Judaism. Recommended for public and undergraduate libraries.' Naomi E. Hafter, Library Journal 'For intelligent readers ... who wish to know how Jews variously perceive and practise their Judaism this book is invaluable.' Louis Jacobs, The Times Literary Supplement 'It speaks about Judaism in interesting, if in somewhat broad strokes, always emphasizing the aspects of Judaism that impact contemporary world Jewry.' The Clergy Journal 'It manages as well to provide an excellent sense of the intertwined historical development of the Jews and their religious civilization ... De Lange brings comprehensive learning to his task, a love of clear language, and a scrupulous fairness to all elements of the contemporary Jewish scene. I recommend the work for introductory college courses or for adult education settings.' Religious Studies ReviewMore details
Series
Edition
2nd Revised edition
Language
English
Place of publication
Cambridge
United Kingdom
Target group
College/higher education
Edition type
Revised edition
Illustrations
3 Tables, unspecified; 2 Maps; 4 Halftones, unspecified; 2 Line drawings, unspecified
Dimensions
Height: 235 mm
Width: 157 mm
Thickness: 19 mm
Weight
549 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-521-51350-0 (9780521513500)
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
Nicholas de Lange
An Introduction to Judaism
E-Book
12/2009
2nd Edition
Cambridge University Press
€32.49
Available for download
Nicholas de Lange
Introduction to Judaism
E-Book
12/2009
Cambridge University Press
€26.99
Available for download
Previous edition
Nicholas de Lange
An Introduction to Judaism
Book
02/2000
Cambridge University Press
€49.52
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Person
Nicholas de Lange is Professor of Hebrew and Jewish Studies in the Faculty of Divinity, University of Cambridge. A distinguished scholar and translator, he is author of The Penguin Dictionary of Judaism (2008), Modern Judaism: An Oxford Guide (2005) edited with Miri Freud-Kandel, and of an edited translation of Colette Sirat's Hebrew Manuscripts of the Middle Ages (2002, 2008).
Content
List of tables; List of illustrations; Preface; Chronology; Map of the Jewish world in 1930; Map of the Jewish world in the 2000s; 1. The Jews in the world; 2. The Jewish people and its past; 3. Jewish books; 4. The Jewish religion; 5. The family; 6. The community; 7. God and the Jewish people; 8. Objectives; 9. Judaism and the future; Glossary; Further reading; Index.