Introduction to the World's Major Religions

Judaism, one of the world's great religions, was the first monotheistic faith. This belief in one God, along with basic tenets, laws, and practices written in the Hebrew Bible, laid the foundations of other religions. Therefore, familiarity with Judaism is crucial to understanding Christianity and Islam as well. Judaism is also more than a faith; it encompasses national, ethnic, and cultural elements that impact Jewish life. This book provides a content-rich yet thoroughly readable and enjoyable overview of the richness of Judaism in one volume for students. Narrative chapters explain Judaism's eventful history from founding by Abraham and Sarah to Diaspora, basic texts such as the Torah and Talmud, tenets such as food prohibitions, the different branches, where and how Jews worship and live today, important rituals and holidays, and major figures.



This volume carefully presents the diversity and wide variety of beliefs of Jews. It also addresses the absence of faith in some Jews and the secular aspects of Jewishness. The role of Israel past and present underlies the text as well, and this knowledge of the Jewish ties to Israel will help illuminate the ongoing struggles there with the Palestinians and neighboring Arabs.