There is so much about history that those who live in the present can only conjecture, can use their best sense, and faith, to understand. For questions of faith, one must only follow their heart. For the who, what, where, when, why and how, the newest edition of Telushkin's book comes in quite handy.
In life, there are many questions; some of these questions are easier to find answers to, others require more thought and deep consideration. In Rabbi Joseph Telushkin's how-to guide to Judaism, "Jewish Literacy: (the most important things to know about the Jewish religion, its people, and its history)," the good rabbi tries hard to answer.
This book makes a perfect gift for someone who is solely interested in the history of Judaism or for a devoutly religious person who seeks a delicious book of dedicated answers to some of time's most perplexing questions. This is also an excellent resource for those who are considering a conversion to become Jewish, and for those who may have lost their way, and are looking for an intelligent, clear and thoughtful road back to the days of their youth.
With 750 pages of fascinating, engaging and thought-provoking commentary and explanations, "Jewish Literacy" is a deep well-spring of religious information, tempered with common sense, logic and open-ended interpretations of many topics, possibly to allow for the reader to come to his/her own personal conclusions. The book is divided into 15 parts, covering about every topic one might expect to be covered in such a thorough text. The topics run the gamut, from a history and explanation of the Torah (Five Books of Moses), the Talmud, a history of Jewish life through the present, typical Jewish customs and celebrations, the Jewish calendar, the Life Cycle, Synagogue and Prayers, and a plethora of other topics.
This is truly an in-depth and informative resource.
Susie Kopecky
Jewish Literacy
There is so much about history that those who live in the present can only conjecture, can use their best sense, and faith, to understand. For questions of faith, one must only follow their heart. For the who, what, where, when, why and how, the newest edition of Telushkin's book comes in quite handy.
In life, there are many questions; some of these questions are easier to find answers to, others require more thought and deep consideration. In Rabbi Joseph Telushkin's how-to guide to Judaism, "Jewish Literacy: (the most important things to know about the Jewish religion, its people, and its history)," the good rabbi tries hard to answer.
This book makes a perfect gift for someone who is solely interested in the history of Judaism or for a devoutly religious person who seeks a delicious book of dedicated answers to some of time's most perplexing questions. This is also an excellent resource for those who are considering a conversion to become Jewish, and for those who may have lost their way, and are looking for an intelligent, clear and thoughtful road back to the days of their youth.
With 750 pages of fascinating, engaging and thought-provoking commentary and explanations, "Jewish Literacy" is a deep well-spring of religious information, tempered with common sense, logic and open-ended interpretations of many topics, possibly to allow for the reader to come to his/her own personal conclusions. The book is divided into 15 parts, covering about every topic one might expect to be covered in such a thorough text. The topics run the gamut, from a history and explanation of the Torah (Five Books of Moses), the Talmud, a history of Jewish life through the present, typical Jewish customs and celebrations, the Jewish calendar, the Life Cycle, Synagogue and Prayers, and a plethora of other topics.
This is truly an in-depth and informative resource.
