The Jewish People: Their History and Their Religion (Penguin Religion and Mythology)

Features

• Cover Type: Paperback with 448 pages
• Published by: Penguin Non-Classics February 5, 1989
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 0140154914
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0140154917
• Book Dimensions: 7.8 x 5 x 0.9 inches
• Weighs: 10.4 ounces

From Publishers Weekly
For the overwhelming majority of Jews under Roman rule, Jesus of Nazareth was just one more tragic, fallible victim of the struggle against an oppressive regime. In this scholarly history by two London rabbis of the Progressive branch of Judaism, unfolding events are interpreted as they were felt and lived by the Jewish people. Ever since the French Revolution, when Judaism lost its hold as an all-embracing amalgam of faith and behavior, Jews' responses to the modern world have ranged from conversion or assimilation to fervent nationalism. The narrative, alternately brisk and dry, helps explain how a tiny, persecuted, exiled people maintained a distinctive cultural identity and sense of mission. In extensive sections on ethics, belief, literature and worship, the authors take a refreshingly unconventional approach. Reminding us that "Old Testament" is a Christian term alien to Judaism, they reexamine the Jewish Bible's sense of the cosmos as a unitary whole. Their view of Judaism as a set of mitzvoth (commandments), a code of conduct that each believer must rediscover, informs this challenging study.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal
Two British rabbis have accomplished the nearly impossible by writing a concise, factual, readable history of the Jews and describing the beliefs and practices of Judaism in fewer than 400 pages. The greater part of this book is devoted to a general synopsis of Jewish history from Abraham's time to the 1980s. The remaining three sections describe the literature, theory, and practices of Judaism. (In contrast, Paul Johnson's recent History of the Jews , LJ 3/15/87, is devoted strictly to history.) All the salient facts are here and all schools of Jewish belief objectively treated. A simple but great introduction for general readers. Robert A. Silver, Shaker Heights P.L., Ohio
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Reader Reviews
I highly recommend this book to anyone that is interested in gaining an insight into the history, practices and literature of the Jewish people. The book is broken down into 4 parts. In Part 1, Rabbis Goldberg and Rayner explain each phase in Jewish history from Abraham to the holocaust. With regards to their analysis of the biblical period, I was very impressed at their genuine concern with true history rather than just relying on scripture to provide the details. When dealing with each period, they refrained from giving painstaking details and rather delivered a good overview. Those wishing to satisfy their curiosity for details are able to consult the bibliography for further reading. In Part 2, the Jewish literature for each period is reviewed including the origin of the Torah and an overview of Rabbinic literature such as the Talmud and beyond. Parts 3 and 4 deal with the theory of Judaism and Jewish practices. These are excellent for those who are being introduced to Judaism for the very first time, or for those who could do with some revision or brushing up on some of the important rituals, laws and festivals. Overall, I must say this book is informative and a pleasure to read and remains an excellent reference book.