The Complete Idiot S Guide To Jewish History And Culture

You're no idiot, of course. You know that Judaism began with Abraham and that Moses led the children out of slavery in Egypt. But when it comes to knowing who Elijah, Esther, and Judah Maccabee were, and their significance to Judaism, you feel like you've been wandering in the desert for 40 years. Don't feel Jewish guilt just yet! The Complete Idiot's Guide® to Jewish History and Culture provides you with a complete, authoritative account of the Jewish people—from Abraham, Moses, and King David to Golda Meir, Menachem Begin, and Yitzhak Rabin.

One of our most popular religion and history titles - updated and reivsed. This guide contains a complete, authoritative account of the Jewish people - including profiles of Biblical and political leaders - and focuses on understanding the Jewish influence on American and world culture, offering insights into the Yiddish and Hebrew languages, theater, art, literature, comedy, film, television, and more.

An introduction to the Talmud describes such topics as its contents, the relationship between science and medicine and Talmudic philosophy, the Talmudic lifestyle, and blessings found in the Talmud

Offers an overview of Latin American history, politics, education, work, and entertainment, including Latin American dance styles, recipes, and well-known personalities.

-- Though the growth of the Jewish faith has leveled in the U.S., its estimated 5.6 million adherents still outnumber all other non-Christian religions. -- Provides accurate and concise information from a recognized scholar of Judaism- no prior knowledge required. -- There are few pocket-sized books that present a condensed survey of Jewish history, key beliefs and practices. Jewish culture and religion has played a significant role in the formation of world, as well as American, culture. Jews, both practicing and non-practicing, have become thoroughly integrated into society. Outside of Israel, the U.S. maintains the highest concentration of Jews worldwide. The Pocket Idiot's Guide "RM" to Judaism looks at the Jewish religious tradition from its birth in Biblical times to the foundation of the modern Jewish state of Israel. Key themes in Judaic history, such as the formative period of the Temple, coexistence with Christianity, the critical Reform and the community's long struggle against anti-Semitism, are explored. Important contemporary concepts, practices and holidays such as Zionism, Kaddish and Passover, are but a few points of interest concisely covered. The book ends with a brief survey of Judaism's future challenges: the survival of the Jewish state, Judaism and feminism and the assimilation of Jews into secular society.

Provides insight into biblical stories, miracles, and figures through historical context and scholarship, and explores the present controversies over lost texts, creationism, and archaeological findings.

Contains a resource book of multicultural materials and includes program ideas, Web sites, and recommended children's books that provide students with information on the traditions, stories, pictures, and music from around the world.