Teach Yourself Judaism

"Teach Yourself Judaism" helps you to grasp the beliefs and practices of the Jewish faith and understand Judaism as a living religion. It presents the main element of Judaism in a practical and informative way. This book explores: the roots of Judaism; the development of the religion and the variety of its expressions; the insights and principles behind significant life-cycle rituals; the importance of time and season in both home and synagogue; and, the impact of the Holocaust and the state of Israel on Jewish self-understanding. The "Teach Yourself World Faiths" series aims to present all the essential information required by a reader who has no previous knowledge of the religion, but who wants to feel confident in dealing with members of the faith community - in terms of their beliefs and attitudes, and also of the practical details of their culture, ceremony, diet and moral views. As such it is relevant to the needs of police, social workers, solicitors, businessmen, teachers and all who require sensitivity and insight in dealing with the public in a multi-faith and multi-ethnic society.