Jewish Literacy Revised Ed: The Most Important Things to Know About the Jewish Religion, Its People, and Its History

I highly recommend this book for anyone seriously thinking of converting to Judaism or for anyone who wants to know more about the faith and the people (I bought two copies, one for me and one for a Christian friend who wanted to learn more but in a less complicated manner). The "chapters" are short but concise and you can easily read a chapter while brushing your teeth. It is also separated into sections for history, holidays, and lifecycle as well as many great Jewish thinkers and influential events.Rabbi Telushkin is Orthodox so keep that in mind when you read it as it comes from and orthodox perspective.

If you're interested in Judaism, or if you're a Jew who simply wants to know more about your history and your faith, I think this is the book for you. Rabbi Telushkin has written a very comprehensive book on the Jewish faith and why we believe what we do. The book is easy to read and very interesting, but while it's not "over your head," it's also not "written down" to the reader. This isn't the book for the serious student of Judaism; he or she will want to delve more deeply into everything presented. This is "the" book for the everyday Jew, or the Jew-to-be, or the non-Jew, who simply wants to understand Judaism better because so many misconceptions can prevail unless one does study at least a little. I've found that re-readings always yield additional enlightenments. I treasure this book, and I read it often. If you're interested in the Jewish way of life or faith, I think you'll like it as much as I do.

Rabbi Joseph Telushkin takes the reader on an adventure through Ancient Judaic and modern Jewish history like no other author I have ever read. I will start here by saying I am an avid scholar of all things pertaining to different religions. I have read a great many books about Judaism and never has one painted the entire picture so perfectly as Rabbi Telushkin. Parts of history that have been forgotten or rewritten are revisited and explained in a way that leaves the reader questioning many of the descriptions of historical events we've been led to believe happened on way, but actually happened another. Rabbi Telushkin manages to tell the tales that are often quite emotional with a beautiful sense of humor that would have me crying in one moment and laughing in the next moment. I feel privelaged to have been able to pick this book up and it will stay close to me for a very long time.

This is an excellent overview of Judaism... especially for non-Jews, I think. It gives a broad overview, including several aspects of Judaism, but is not so detailed that it taxes the casual reader. I really enjoyed learning more about this ancient religion & Teluskin did a fine job of giving me just enough information. In fact, Teluskin did such a good job on this book that I ordered another of his books concerning archaeology in the Holy Lands. Highly recommend as an introduction for those needing/wanting to learn more about Judaism.

No matter how much you know about the Jewish topics/topics associated with religion and ritual, you will learn something new or take away something fresh in this wonderful volume. It's SO well-written, and shows such deep knowledge of a wide range of subjects. This was really well thought-out, and well written. I will read it every couple of years.

I am studying the history of Israel and Jewish background. When I first received this book, I thought there was no way I was going to be able to read it. It is a very thick, thin paged book - with no pictures! However, it is split up in very small chapters/sections; so I was hooked after the first page. I can actually read for 5 minutes or an hour, and am understanding everything.

Understanding Jewish beliefs is fundamental not just for Jews but also for all monotheist religions that derived from this body of philosophical knowledge. Ethical monotheism remains particularly relevant in the 21st century and Rabbi Telushkin continues to make major contributions in all his books with his erudition and easily accessible style. A must read. Check also Jewish Wisdom from the same author.

AMAZING book! As someone who is interested in Judaism and is considering converting, this book has answered so many of my questions and has helped me in my studies. I highly recommend this book to those who are interested in Judaism, interested in converting to Judaism, and to those of the Jewish faith who want to better understand their history, faith, beliefs, etc. This book may also be useful to those of the Christian faith who want to better understand how, when, and why, Christianity broke off from Judaism. It is a rather large book, but it is a great read! Highly recommend!

Fascinating, information not readily accessible elsewhere.

Covers just about everything!

In these bite size pieces going through the Jewish peoples history it always holds your attention. Dip into it now and again or like me you can't put it down. Very very pleased with the purchase.

Top book... Explains everything you want to know

this book provides you with a good introduction to all aspects of Judaism, which is the real advantage of it that it very much complete in the topics. however it is not very useful as an in depth literature.