November 15, 2011
Grades 9-12 With scholarly detail, this handsome volume in the Britannica Guide to Religion series provides an in-depth overview that will be especially useful for group discussion as well as for personal research and reference. Beginning with biblical Judaism (from the twentieth to the fourth centuries BCE), the history discusses Hellenistic Judaism under the Greeks and Romans, then Rabbinic Judaism in medieval Europe, up to the modern period, which covers a wide range, including in-depth discussion of the Orthodox, Reform, and Conservative movements, Jewish-Christian relations, Zionism, mysticism, and American Judaism. Detailed chapters cover Kabbalah, Tzaddiq, Kosher, Haskala, and much more about basic beliefs and practices, the religious year and holidays, medieval and modern leaders, and relations with other religions. This isn't an easy read, but the inviting design with clear type on thick paper, occasional photos, historical prints, and detailed colored screens, will encourage browsers to research further. Includes a glossary and excellent annotated bibliography for each chapter.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2011, American Library Association.)