Features
- Reading level: Young Adult
- Cover Type: Hard Cover with 352 pages
- Published by: NYU Press April 1, 2004
- Written in: English
- ISBN 10 Number: 0814742750
- ISBN 13 Number: 978-0814742754
-
Book Dimensions:
10.7 x 8.3 x 1.4 inches
- Weighs: 3.7 pounds
From School Library Journal
Grade 9 Up–The approximately 1000 entries in this handsome and comprehensive volume describe virtually all aspects of Jewish life and culture, including significant and lesser-known people. The articles are clearly written and abundantly cross-referenced. The editors indicate that they have attempted to present the discussion of major issues in Jewish life from the Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform perspectives, and they have succeeded admirably. In most of the broader discussions of topics such as burial, marriage, halakhah (rabbinic law), and the like, the practices specific to each denomination are noted. Political issues are avoided. Palestine and the Arab world are not mentioned, and the discussion of Israel is biblically framed. Hebrew words are used throughout and are defined or explained in parentheses as they occur. The volume includes a useful glossary, a brief pronunciation guide, and a list of abbreviations. Black-and-white photographs and drawings are interspersed throughout the text. Periodically, glorious full-color spreads appear, although not necessarily in context with the articles. There have been a number of recent reference works about Jews and Judaism for this audience, but this encyclopedia stands out. It is a must for any collection supporting the study of religion.
–Linda Greengrass, Bank Street College Library, New York City Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
From Booklist
This resource focuses on the Jewish religion itself: its history, practices, and people; Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform movements; the customs, traditions, and prayers of daily life, the Sabbath, and holidays; and brief biographies of leading biblical and rabbinical figures. Although it draws material from the
New Encyclopedia of Judaism (2002), the information has been rewritten for its intended audience of students in grades 7-12, as well as their families. The list of contributors and their affiliations includes such familiar names as Marc D. Angel and Yehuda Bauer. Editor in chief Wigoder was editor in chief of the
Encyclopedia Judaica.
The more than 900 alphabetically arranged entries range in length from a brief paragraph to two pages. Many entries are under their Hebrew term (
Tallit, Tefillin) with cross-references to and from their English counterparts. This should pose no problem for Jews familiar with the religious terminology but may frustrate other users. Topics such as Israel and the Holocaust are discussed in terms of religion, not as the usual history lesson. Black-and-white illustrations with four sets of color inserts, summaries of biblical books, texts of prayers, sayings of the sages, and similar sidebars highlight the entries. Most biblical translations are based on the Jewish Publication Society of America version. Entries do not provide any pronunciation help, nor are they signed.
This title fills a niche for the teen audience. It offers quick reference and a starting point for research, as well as browsing pleasure. Given the price, school and public libraries can't go wrong by adding it to their religion collections. College libraries may also find it appropriate for their undergraduates. The publisher is also marketing it as a family purchase or for bar and bat mitzvahs and Hanukkah.
Esther SinofskyCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Reader ReviewsThis is an excellent encyclopedia for students who wish to learn about Judaism. It is a spin-off of the previously published one- volume 'Encyclopedia of Judaism'. It explains certain issues from Orthodox, Conservative and Reform points- of- view. The articles were by and large written by a team of experts, but the individual entries are not signed. This is a fine introductory work.
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