Judaism

Israel Abrahams (b. London, November 26, 1858; d. Cambridge, October 6, 1925) was one of the most distinguished Jewish scholars of his generation. (Wikipedia.) Mr. Abrahams writes clearly and informatively about Judaism. He cites prominent Rabbis to explain the Jewish traditions and Laws that define Judaism. Judaism has many laws both written and derived from custom; how is an outsider to know what it all means? "Rabbi Simlai (third century), has this remarkable saying: ' Six hundred and thirteen precepts were imparted unto Moses, three hundred and sixty-five negative (in correspondence with the days of the solar year), and two hundred and forty-eight positive ( in correspondence with the number of a man's limbs). David came and established them as eleven ..." Did you know that Christians celebrated Passover for four centuries. (Why not, if thier "Boss" was a Jewish carpenter?) He gives insight into the culture that created "The Bible" revered by Jews, Christians, and Muslims. He points out that there is no 'one cannon' for Judaism. Rabbis study and debate the meaning of the bible continously. "Pharisees and Saducees differed on questions of doctive (such as the belief in immortality held by the former and rejected by the latter)," He cites Philo's "five most beautiful lessons" The Karaite Judah Hadassi of Constantinople who "formulates ten dogmas of Judaism". Maimondides thirteen fundamental principles. The five principles from the 1896 Central Conference of the Americna Rabbis. N. S. Joseph's "Essentials of Judaism" : ment as an introduction for children before they begin formal religious training. Mr. Abrahams posits that Judaism has no " 'Theory' of sin. ... If virtue and righteousness are obedience, then disobedience is both vice and sin. No further theory was requird or possible. Atonement is reversion to obedience." I'm only half way through, but it has already proved to be well worth reading for students of philosophy and religion. Mike K

Judaism is a separate lifestyle instead of just a separate religion. This is a good review many of the different things that we would have gone through and we’ve been raised in one of the three Jewish sects. Ultra orthodox which is Hacidic. Conservative and Reformed .

For someone who knows absolutely nothing about Judaism, it is very informative. It is not an easy reader book,it takes time and thought to read it. It traverses all if Judaism and not just a particular branch. It covers the history and different philosophies.

This is not for recreational reading, but it was a short read. The author did cite many sources in his writing, but I found it a little hard to follow, because I have no background or study in Judaism.

Poorly written, not understandible, nothing of interest, no historical perspective.I can't see why Amazon lists it. It should be taken off their book list. There are good books on Jewish history, traditions, survival. This book does not deserve to be aaiable, it is so bad. The title may appeal to Jews (of whom I am one) and be a big wast of time, even if one reads the first five pages.

I got this to learn and be knowledgeable about others. As much as we think we are different and are so much more all the same. Everyone should be familiar with each other and believe we all came from somewhere,someone,something. Thank you for sharing this book with me.

I was looking for more commentary on the translation. For example; Daniel 3:25 says 'God sent his angels...' in this book. In the king james version.. 'Son of God', And sorry, but somewhere else I read the Hebrew work was used...ben... Which means son. I had hoped this book would make it clear, but so many translations, so little time. Otherwise, the book was recommended to me by the local rabbi as the best translation. I was baptised a Christian about 4 yrs ago. I don't remember how, but started listening to rabbi tovia singer on utube. Changed my life. How simple it is to read the old testament , 'there is no other good God but me'. God forgives. He doesn't need Jesus. Simple.

I'm not Jewish first of. I read through this book and was surprised to see so many things rituals, rules and laws. Fascinating book. If you want to learn about this culture sit down with one of this very nice people. Things are not as they appear to be.