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World Religions & Beliefs: Judaism

This guide provides resources on World Religions. Please note that this is an ongoing project. As such, we will be adding new content to this guide throughout the year.

Reading List

Judaism

Research & Reference

Judaism

A numerically small religion practiced by approximately 13 million members, Judaism nonetheless captures a large share of the world's attention-especially in the geopolitical arena. In this program, Hans Kung discusses the practice of Judaism in the United States, Israel, and Germany, as he studies the religion's commitment to its continued existence.

Source: Films on Demand

Judaism - People of the Book

In approaching the sacred texts of Judaism, learn the dramatic history of the Aleppo Codex, a historically significant copy of the Tanakh (the Hebrew Bible). Track the origins of the Tanakh and its constituent sections - the Torah, the Prophets, and the Writings - and grasp how the Tanakh became the focus of Jewish identity.

Source: Kanopy

Perspectives

The New Encyclopedia of Judaism

Includes hundreds of special articles covering subjects in analytical depth, as well as short biographies of the major figures in the story of Judaism.

American Judaism

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, Jonathan Sarna explores the ways in which Judaism adapted in this new context. How did American culture - predominantly Protestant and overwhelmingly capitalist - affect Jewish religion and culture? And how did American Jews shape their own communities and faith in the new world? Jonathan Sarna, a preeminent scholar of American Judaism, tells the story of individuals struggling to remain Jewish while also becoming American. He offers a dynamic and timely history of assimilation and revitalisation, of faith lost and faith regained. The first comprehensive history of American Judaism in over fifty years, this book is both a celebration of 350 years of Jewish life in America and essential reading for anyone interested in American religion and life.

Encyclopedia of Jewish Folklore and Traditions

This multicultural reference work on Jewish folklore, legends, customs, and other elements of folklife covers specific artifacts, rituals, ceremonies, biblical figures, and legends-in addition to broad topics such as humor, folk dance, costumes, and folk narratives.

Teach Yourself - Judaism

Discover Judaism and its role in our world Teach Yourself Judaism is a comprehensive guide to the Jewish faith. Delving into the roots and development of Judaism and considering the practicalities of pursuing a Jewish way of life, this book will ensure you soon have a thorough understanding of the beliefs and practices of this major world religion. From the principles behind significant traditions and rituals to the impact of the Holocaust and the state of Israel on Jewish self-understanding, this book is a fascinating read.

Judaism When Christianity Began

In this book, Jacob Neusner gives an introductory, systematic, and holistic account of the theology and practice of Rabbinic Judaism, which emerged, along with Christianity, from antiquity and formed the classical statement of Judaism to the present day. He offers a description of beliefs and practices, theology as expressed in mythic narratives, and norms of ritual and symbolic behavior. Neusner also discusses: revelation and scripture, the doctrine of God, the definition of the holy, the chain of tradition embodied in the story of the written and oral Torah, the intervention of God in history through miracles, sacred space, atonement and repentance, death and afterlife, and art and symbol in Judaism.

Judaism

Art of Faith is a visually sumptuous series exploring the architecture and art of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Each program is presented and narrated by the broadcaster John McCarthy, who visits many of the greatest and most significant religious buildings of the world.

Source: Kanopy

Essentials of Faith: Judaism

A shared heritage, a spiritual belief system, a set of rules for living—these are all aspects of Judaism, but the order in which they are emphasized varies greatly within the faith. This program features opinions from four articulate and sometimes controversial adherents to the Jewish religion who share their views on differences and similarities within Judaism. Highlighting the impact of the Holocaust and contrasts between the Sephardi and Ashkenazi traditions, the program participants include Rabbi and Baroness Julia Neuberger, Rabbi Barry Marcus of the Central London Synagogue, performer Uri Geller, and Jewish Museum education director Susanna Alexander. (24 minutes)

Source: Films on Demand