For everyone who wants to understand the varieties of Jewish identity, its boundaries and inclusions, this book shows the way into an essential aspect of Judaism and allows you to interact directly with the sacred texts of the Jewish tradition.
Dr. Sylvia Barack Fishman explores the religious and historical understanding of what it has meant to be Jewish from ancient times to the present controversy over "Who is a Jew?" Beginning with the biblical period, this volume takes you era-by-era through Jewish history to reveal who the Jewish community included and excluded, and discusses the fascinating range of historical conflicts that Jews have dealt with internally. It will provide an understanding of how the Jewish people and faith developed, and of what the major religious differences are among Jewish movements today.
Judaism throughout history. What did Judaism look like in the earliest periods of recorded Jewish history? How have early Jewish teachings influenced diverse forms of Jewishness historically and today? How did attitudes and behaviors diverge as Jews migrated and responded to their Christian or Muslim host cultures? How did various Jewish "enlightenments," social movements and political changes affect Jewish culture and religion?
Modern Judaism. Orthodox, Conservative, Reconstructionist, Reform, Renewal--what are the many movements--and secular forms--of Judaism that exist today? How did each movement begin, and what role does each play in the landscape of modern American Judaism? What challenges does Judaism in general, and the movements in particular, face in the coming years and decades?
Conversion to Judaism. What were historical attitudes toward "Jews by Choice," and what are the attitudes today?
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 5.0 / 5.0
The Conditions for Jewish Renaissance in America:
Just when you were wondering what would be the book to send friends and family alike for the Holiday season, along comes a miraculous response to your quest. This incredibly readable book offers us all, an insightful and sympathetic analysis of the historical roots of Judaism together with the many varieties of Jewishness that have unfolded in contemporary America. Tracing the continuum of diversity from biblical times through the 2000 years of diaspora life, Fishman explains how being Jewish and... more info
Gem of a book:
For anyone - Jewish or non-Jewish - who wonders about Judaism, my colleague Sylvia Barack Fishman has written a highly accessible and engaging account of the "varieties" of ways in which Jewishness is expressed. What is unique, and in some ways breathtaking about this book, is that Professor Fishman places contemporary practice and beliefs in historical context. She provides readers with a scan of more than 3000 years of Jewish history. Her historical descriptions do not merely tell the story of how the... more info
