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Basic Judaism, Milton Steinberg, Harcourt, Brace, 1947, 0156106981, 9780156106986, 172 pages. Concise and elegant, this is a book about the Jewish religion - not about the Jewish culture or Zionism, but about those beliefs, ideals, and practices that make up the historic Jewish faith. Including both the modernist and the traditionalist view in his exploration, Rabbi Steinberg discusses the Torah, what Judaism says about God and the relationship, and what exists in the Kingdom of God. He also talks about the laws that define Judaism, the practices and rituals that sustain it, and the synagogue and the rabbinate that support it. For all students of Judaism - be they practicing Jews, uncommitted Jews, or curious non-Jews - Rabbi Steinberg offers a brilliant chance to understand what the Jewish faith is, why it has elicited such intense devotion, and why it remains such a mighty force in the lives of its believers and, beyond them, the world.. DOWNLOAD HERE The making of the modern Jew , Milton Steinberg, 1934, History, 317 pages. American Judaism A History, Jonathan D. Sarna, 2004, Religion, 490 pages. This magisterial work chronicles the 350-year history of the Jewish religion in America. Tracing American Judaism from its origins in the colonial era through the present day .... Genesis , Walter Brueggemann, 1982, Religion, 384 pages. Each biblical book is presented for its most effective use by teacher or preacher, taking into consideratoin its centra purpose, its use in the liturgical and confessional .... An Introduction to Judaism , Nicholas Robert Michael De Lange, 2000, Religion, 247 pages. This book is intended for students of religion and others who seek an introduction to Judaism.. Judaism and Modern Man An Interpretation of Jewish Religion, Will Herberg, 2007, Religion, 328 pages. PREFACE. THE Author of this very practical treatise on Scotch Loch - Fishing desires clearly that it may be of use to all who had it. He does not pretend to have written .... Religion of reason out of the sources of Judaism, Hermann Cohen, 1972, Religion, 489 pages. The Tapestry of Jewish Time A Spiritual Guide to Holidays and Life-cycle Events, Nina Beth Cardin, 2000, Religion, 307 pages. Rabbi Cardin--writing as a religious leader, friend, neighbor, wife, mother, and daughter--guides us toward a fuller understanding of Judaism. She invites us to become weavers .... A believing Jew the selected writings of Milton Steinberg, Milton Steinberg, Jun 1, 1951, , 318 pages. A partisan guide to the Jewish problem , Milton Steinberg, 1945, , 308 pages. The way of Torah: an introduction to Judaism , Jacob Neusner, 1970, , 116 pages. Settings of Silver An Introduction to Judaism, Stephen M. Wylen, Jan 1, 2000, Religion, 480 pages. An updated edition of the comprehensive introduction to the Jewish faith discusses the holy days of the Jewish year, and the daily observances and beliefs of Judaism. Original.. What is a Jew , Morris N. Kertzer, Nov 1, 1996, Religion, 336 pages. Discusses the basic tenets of Judaism; religious law and ritual; modern Israel; Jews and Christians; the social and community concerns of Jews; and Jewish customs, traditions .... Milton Steinberg portrait of a rabbi, Simon Noveck, 1978, Biography & Autobiography, 353 pages. This is a basic introduction for people who either want an overall review of the basics or for people about whom it can't be assumed they know even the basics, like me. Rabbi Steinberg's best quality is his ability to break down and pick apart the basics and his ability to write with extraordinary conciseness. I never felt he was talking down to me, but his handle of English for explaining the complex theological and philosophical concepts was truly remarkable. He also makes a point of drawing out the differences among Jews about Judaism, frequently contrasting "traditionalists" with "modernists". I can't imagine I could have chosen a better book for getting the concept of Judaism. There probably are better books to get, though, if you are looking for a book about how to live as a Jew. The book is obviously very pro-Jewish and he seems usually to give the modernists the better slant without being disrespectful to tradition. If you just want to know what Judaism is, I can definitely recommend this book. There are two things one should know about this book. One, (as the author points out) this book "is a book about the Jewish religion - not about Jews or Jewish problems, or Jewish culture, or Zionism, but about those beliefs, ideals, and practices which make up the historic Jewish faith." Two, it is indeed - very - basic. Perhaps my thirst for detail keeps me from appreciating this short a summary. I found MUCH more information in three hours on the Internet than turns up here.... Perhaps the book suffers because the author is trying to span the breadth of Judaism, from Reform to Orthodox, in one volume.... On a positive note, Rabbi Steinberg does not beat about the bush - to give one example. he straightforwardly describes the differences between (the various forms of) Christianity and Judaism. His views on St. Paul are "challenging". Christians may not like his judgments, but I thought many of them seem quite on-target. On the negative side, do not expect from this volume a listing of the 613 Jewish commandments (though they are mentioned). Do not expect any description of the Jewish lunar calendar, or any listing of the months. Do not expect any description of the Hebrew language. Do not expect any detailed description of the liturgy of the Shabbat service. I could forgive much of this (since the book is only 172 pages long) except for the fact the author is verbose - especially in the first half of the book. (Incidentally, be aware that "Basic Judaism" lacks all of the following: a bibliography, a glossary, any appendices, and an index!) Though I found this a pleasant read, I wouldn't use it as a starting point for any in-depth study of Judaism. Rabbi Steinberg lays out who the Jews are, what Judaism is, and some of the various interpretations of the faith using clear, concise language and a well-laid out chapter structure that walks the reader through the history and conceptions of Judaism as it has grown over the centuries. Although the book does not go into great depth in any one topic, the scope of the book gives the reader a fascinating perspective on an often misunderstood religion. A reader who knows little of Judaism may or may not finish this book with a new respect for Judaism, but it will certainly ensure that the reader leaves it with a much greater understanding of it. Required reading for any hoping to gain some understanding of a the great religion that begat Christianity and Islam. I read "Basic Judaism" as I traveled through Israel, contributing to the enjoyment of my sojourn. As I walked the shores of the Dead Sea and the streets of Jerusalem's Old City, I found myself meditating on the generations of Jews who lived and propagated a faith and tradition steeped in ancient teachings and who had experiences that no other people has shared. I thoroughly enjoyed "Basic Judaism." Rabbi Steinberg's presentation of Judaism is lucid and detailed, but never tedious. He crystalizes the core beliefs and practices of Jews in terms of observance, reason, salvation and other issues. I have read the Tanakh, which is also known as the Old Testament, and other books on Jewish faith and experience. From them I had a decent perception of what Judaism represents and teaches. "Basic Judaism" contributed significantly to my understanding. The book has a primer quality, but it is much more than a dry primer. Steinberg is analytical in his presentation but also thorough and loving. Steinberg criticizes Christianity, but there is nothing wrong with that. Christians should encourage well-intentioned criticism as a way to strengthen dialogue with Jews and to develop their own religious observance. Some of Steinberg's criticisms of Jesus, however, struck me as superficial. For instance, Steinberg knocks Jesus for His occasional ill temper, such as His cursing of the fig tree in the gospels of Mark and Matthew. Every holy man shows personality traits, including "negative" ones. This criticism by Steinberg struck me as "criticism for the sake of criticism." I am a Jew by choice. While I read (and continue to read) many books on both the Jewish tradition and on the faith itself, this is probably the "one" that made clear to me that Judaism was to be my life's journey. I've lent my copy out several times, mostly to non-Jewish friends, and they seem to find it helpful in grasping what Judaism is. Highly recommended. I had to keep reminding myself when this book was published -- 1947. And that it was written by a rabbi. I wanted to read it to get some more perspectives on Judaism, as my wife is Jewish. Despite it being a short book, it was a slog. It's pretty academic, and very much from a believer's perspective, so there were times where I found it pretty arrogant. There were a few interesting tidbits that I came away with. Like that some locusts are kosher (and I really have to wonder now which ones). And...more I had to keep reminding myself when this book was published -- 1947. And that it was written by a rabbi. I wanted to read it to get some more perspectives on Judaism, as my wife is Jewish. Despite it being a short book, it was a slog. It's pretty academic, and very much from a believer's perspective, so there were times where I found it pretty arrogant.