In this Very Short Introduction Normon Soloman explores Judaism as a religion and as a way of life, including its festivals, prayers, customs, and sects. Exploring both how it has developed through the centuries and what defines it as a religion, Solomon explores the key issues and debates of contemporary Judaism in the twenty first century.

Introduction ; 1. Who are the Jews ; 2. How did Judaism and Christianity split up? ; 3. How did Judaism develop? ; 4. The calendar and festivals ; 5. The spiritual life - prayer, meditation, Torah ; 6. Making a Jewish home ; 7. Out of the ghetto, into the whirlwind ; 8. Judaism Today ; 9. 'Eternal law', changing times ; Further reading ; Index

`Throughout Solomon's Judaism there is a freshness of approach which will make it interesting to those who already know something about Judaism. The conversational style will also make it valuable for beginners.' Marcus Braybrooke, Church Times `Just as its name implies, this series features concise works that aim to give a crisp insight into otherwise complicated topics ... complicated subjects are condensed and made simple, to whet the appetite or provide just enough material for those with a casual interest.' Bournemouth Evening Echo `Norman Solomon has achieved the near impossible with his enlightened Very Short Introduction to Judaism. He manages to keep the reader engaged, never patronizes, assumes little knowledge but a keen mind, and takes us through Jewish life and history with such gusto that one feels enlived, rather than exhausted, at the end.' Rabbi Julia Neuberger `A magnificent achievement. Dr Solomon's treatment, fresh, very readable, witty and stimulating, will delight everyone interested in religion in the modern world.' Louis Jacobs, University of Lancaster `This book will serve a very useful purpose indeed. I'll use it myself to discuss, to teach, agree with, and disagree with, in the Jewish manner!' Rabbi Lionel Blue

A concise guide to all aspects of Jewish faith and practice Includes the history of Judaism and its development thoughout the centuries Explores what Judaism means around the world today Considers some of big issues including the Holocaust and the establishment of the State of Israel Part of the bestselling Very Short Introductions series - over six million copies sold worldwide

Norman Solomon is now retired, but was a Fellow in Modern Jewish Thought at the Oxford Centre for Hebrew and Jewish Studies, and is affiliated to the Faculty of Oriental Studies at Oxford University. He is the author of Historical Dictionary of Judaism, 2nd edition (Scarecrow Press Inc, 2006).

A concise guide to all aspects of Jewish faith and practice Includes the history of Judaism and its development thoughout the centuries Explores what Judaism means around the world today Considers some of big issues including the Holocaust and the establishment of the State of Israel Part of the bestselling Very Short Introductions series - over six million copies sold worldwide