Over many centuries, Judaism has consistently demonstrated a particular fondness for books and literacy, and this guide allows readers to listen in on the Jewish conversation across many centuries?from the Hebrew Bible and the rabbinic masterpieces to the pressing subjects of the early 21st century. It introduces great works of biography, spirituality, theology, poetry, fiction, history, and political theory. With a special focus on modern American Jewish life and the two core events of contemporary Jewish history?the Holocaust and the founding of the State of Israel?this overview guides readers to books espousing virtually all types of historic and modern Judaic expression. Each of the chronologically arranged entries examines one title within its historical context, provides information about the author, and gives a clear and focused summary of its content.

From Elie Wiesel's "Night" to Chaim Potok's "The Chosen" to Phillip Roth's "Portnoy's Complaint" to George Burns' "How to Live to Be 101", the 100 titles profiled in this book comprise the basis for building a Jewish library to be used, enjoyed, and shared. Each entry includes a summary of the book's contents, its relevance at the time of publication, and its contemporary significance.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. To ensure a quality reading experience, this work has been proofread and republished using a format that seamlessly blends the original graphical elements with text in an easy-to-read typeface. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

Open Judaism is an invitation to the spiritually seeking Jew; a clarion call for a pluralistic, inclusive Judaism; and a dynamic exploration of the remarkable array of thought within Judaism today.

Excerpt from The Uncanonical Jewish Books: A Short Introduction to the Apocrypha and Other Jewish Writings 200 B. C. 100 A. D The object of this Introduction is to provide a short account not only of the books in the Church Apocrypha, but of the other Jewish writings from 200 B. C. to A. D. 100, which should be now occupying the attention of those interested in the New Testament. For without some knowledge of the contemporary literature of the period, we lose the chief key to the understanding of the world to which Christ came, and the atmosphere in which the Church was born. It is obvious that in so short a compass as this volume allows, it is only possible to give an impression of each book, and that statements have constantly to be made dogmatically which would need considerable discussion in a larger work. The writer has done his best to present the sanest views of the best scholars, and can claim that nothing has been put down that has not the support of competent scholars of the present time. And he hopes that this "conspectus" or "birds-eye view" of a great field of knowledge and research will give a trustworthy impression of the general trend of literary activity during the period. Such an impression cannot fail to be of use in the appreciation of the New Testament; and therefore, wherever necessary, attention has been drawn to any instances of a direct connection between these writers and those of the canonical books or to any actual quotation. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.

Sometimes surprising - "better sincere sin than hypocritical virtue" - and always penetrating and helpful - "who are rich? those who are happy with their lot" - the wisdom of the oral Torah is set forth on more than one hundred subjects, arranged alphabetically, in their sources' own words, here rendered in clear and easily readable English.

Exploring American Jewish History through 50 Historic Treasures offers students and general readers new perspectives on the rich complexity of Jewish experiences in America. As one of America's most fascinating and enduring minorities, American Jews have played key roles in every era of American history and every region of the country. The 50 treasures are depicted in full color and range from a family cookbook to a college campus and include items that are iconic, ordinary, and whimsical. Each of the treasures is described in historical, material, and visual contexts, offering readers new, unexpected insights into the meanings of Jewish life, history, and culture.