Judaism (Opus) - Softcover

De Lange, Nicholas

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0192892134 ISBN 13: 9780192892133

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 1987

Synopsis

What is Judaism? What is the Jewish creed? Most people--even those who call themselves Jews - would be hard-pressed to answer that question. The reason, according to Nicholas de Lange, is that the very idea of religion was artifically imposed on Judaism. "The term `religion' has been foreign to Judaism until relatively recently," he writes, "when the dialogue with Christianity has compelled Jews to recognize and use it. Indeed the Hebrew language does not really have a word for religion." This fascinating book attempts to present Judaism in its own terms, in a manner accessible to Jewish and non-Jewish readers alike. De Lange does away with the artificial categories imposed by comparisons with Christianity and focuses instead on the unique features of Judaism: the extraordinary emphasis on tradition, the deep sense of community, even when there is a complete lack of religious commitment, and more. De Lange covers Judaism in all its forms, including Orthodoxy, ultra-Orthodoxy, Conservatism, Reform, secular Judaism, and Zionism, tying contemporary phenomena to the heritage of the past. Key terms are translated and explained and their implications explored, as de Lange familiarizes readers with the words and thoughts that are at the heart of everyday Jewish life.

About this title

About the Author:

About the Author:
Nicholas de Lange is a rabbi and Lecturer in Rabbinics at the University of Cambridge. In addition, he has translated the works of Amos Oz and has written several books on Jewish literature.

Review:

'Nicholas de Lange expounds Jewish life from the inside in his book Judaism ... with great elegance' The Jewish Quarterly

`Excellent!...only an author with a detailed knowledge of Christian theology could set out Judaism for a non-Jewish readership in such a lucid way.' Dr F.W. Golka, Dept of Theology, University of Exeter

`Brilliant, concise guide to Judaism..Lucid and attractivley written - an ideal introduction.' Dr J. Barton, Theology Faculty, University of Oxford

`I would strongly recommend it as an introduction to the subject.' N. Solomon, Dept. of Theology, University of Birmingham.'

'This is one of the finest introductions to Judaism to appear in recent years: clear, concise, and balanced in its approach. It is highly informative and at the same time conveys the notion of what it is like to be Jewish in language which is accessible.' C. T. R. Hayward, University of
Durham.

'The strength of this book lies in de Lange's presentation of his complex subject in an easily readable and comprehensible manner.'
Journal of Semitic Studies

`Brilliant, concise guide to Judaism..Lucid and attractivley written - an ideal introduction.' Professor John Barton, University of Oxford

About this edition

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 1987
• ISBN 10: 0192892134
• ISBN 13: 9780192892133
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 176