Product Description

How much do you know about Judaism?

• How did the Ten Lost Tribes become lost ?
• Are circumcisions performed on the Sabbath ?
• Which country first granted Jews equal rights ?
• When was polygamy outlawed for Jews ?
• Why does Jewish law compare gossiping to murder ?

You'll find the answers to these questions -- and much more -- in this insightful and comprehensive guide. Written by esteemed rabbi and bestselling author Joseph Telushkin, Jewish Literacy has become one of the most respected and widely used reference books on Jewish life, culture, religion, and tradition. Now revised and updated, this fascinating volume distills a vast body of scholarship into 348 short, readable chapters, making the rich and complex history of Judaism accessible to any reader.

Organized by subject, the book's fifteen sections include:

History and Contemporary Life
From the biblical and Talmudic periods through the Spanish Inquisition to modern times, with special sections on the Holocaust, Israel, and American-Jewish life.

Beliefs, Ethics, and Rituals
From monotheism to Judaism's views on the afterlife, "chosenness," and human relations with God; ethical concerns ranging from the proper treatment of animals to the real meaning of "an eye for an eye"; along with explanations of the major prayers and synagogue practices.

Jewish Holidays and Life Cycle
The origins and distinctive customs of each holiday, and the rites sanctifying every major life event from circumcision and baby naming to burial and mourning.

• They were dispersed when the Kingdom of Israel was destroyed by the Assyrians in 722 B.C.E. (see Chapter 45).
• The United States (see Chapter 203).
• Around 1000 C.E., when it was proscribed by Rabbi Gershom; however, most Sephardic Jews did not accept the ban (see Chapter 95).
• Because gossip, like murder, can do irrevocable damage (see Chapter 271).

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #22960 in Books
• Published on: 1991-04-26
• Released on: 1991-04-26
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 784 pages

Amazon.com Review
In 1988, Rabbi Joseph Telushkin undertook a mission to heal "Jewish ignorance," an affliction whose symptoms include the ability to name the three components of the Trinity, coupled with an inability to explain mitzvah. Telushkin's contribution to the cure is his wide-ranging, entertaining Jewish Literacy. First published in 1991, Jewish Literacy contains almost 350 entries on subjects ranging from the Ten Commandments to The Protocols of the Elders of Zion. Entries are numbered (for easy, encyclopedia-style reference) and organized topically (to smooth the experience of reading each page straight through). And the revised edition contains several new entries (including articles about the assassination of Yitzhak Rabin and the vice-presidential nomination of Joseph Lieberman) as well as numerous corrections, enlargements, and updates. One might expect Rabbi Telushkin's project of inspiring Jewish literacy to be overly earnest, but the author's understated wit adds considerable levity to most entries. The entry on "Sodom and Gomorrah," for instance, ends this way: "A number of years ago, some Israeli promoters of tourism suggested transforming the modern city of Sodom into a tourist haven with casinos, nightclubs, and even strip shows. The Chief Rabbinate in Israel sharply demurred, warning that there was nothing to prevent God from destroying the city a second time. The plan was dropped." --Michael Joseph Gross

From Library Journal
Traditionalist Rabbi Telushkin ( The Nine Questions People Ask About Judaism) presents 364 brief explanations of the most important concepts and topics concerning Judaism, Jews, and their history and culture. Each entry runs from one to three pages in length. Basic religious terms, ethics, historical events, religious texts, Jewish personalities, and more are covered in a lively, popular style. A useful feature is that each entry is followed by a short bibliography of further readings on the subject. Despite the occasional superficiality of its coverage, this book is a useful introductory course for Jewish and non-Jewish "illiterates" from teenagers on up. A useful addition for general Judaica collections.
- Robert A. Silver, Shaker Heights P.L ., Ohio
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review
"An immense amount of information in a small space, with clarity, fairness, and a touch of humor." -- Rabbi Harold Kushner, Author of When Bad Things Happen to Good People

"An ingeniously conceived anthology of broad scope which opens the door to Jewish literacy." -- Rabbi W. Gunther Plaut, Editor of The Torah: A Modern Commentary

"It is about time that modern Judaism had its own one-volume vade mecum that is literate, up-to-date, and fair." -- Dr. Reuven Kimelman, Professor of Judaic Studies, Brandeis University

Customer Reviews

Simply Amazing
I was prepared for an onslaught of WAY too much information. I'm converting, and I'm determined to get my study on, but I didn't expect to enjoy it so much. This book is amazing. I don't know that it's comprehensive, but certainly it covers all the major topics of Judaism and a ton of minor ones in great detail. The wonderful part is how wonderfully written it is; I've been kept simply fascinated for 300 pages now. I insist on reading paragraphs out loud to my family. I never thought I'd be so interested in the creation of the state of Israel. I'm so thankful for this book. Rabbi Telushkin covers these topics honestly, concisely and freshly, giving me lots to chew on and plenty of resources to go to for more information as necessary. Another thing I appreciate is that he is as fair as possible. Not easy in a complex and sometimes horrifying world.

One last thing: Not that it matters, but the physical presentation of this book is among the most gorgeous I've seen. Not in an "you're afraid to open it" sort of way, but more a "you take pleasure in the beauty of it with every page you turn". I can't recommend it highly enough.

Absolutely Wonderful
I love this book. I received it as a gift, read it for personal growth, used it for an Old Testament class, and gave it to my husband to help him understand Judaism. Very well written.

Jewish Literacy: The Most Important Things to Know About the Jewish Religion, Its People and Its History
This book has helped me understand the Jewish Faith as I never have. As a Christian, I wanted to know more about the Jewish religion. Jesus was Jewish and He kept the Jewish Law and customs. This book is easy to understand and very insightful.