Review: What Do Jews Believe?
Editorial Review - Kirkus ReviewsAn eclectic exploration of the abiding elements of Jewish belief, covering major ethical, ritual, and theological topics. This guide to Jewish philosophical literacy is refreshingly versatile because Ariel (The Mystic Quest: An Introduction to Jewish Mysticism, not reviewed) has no ideological investment in a particular Jewish denomination. What is served up here is a smorgasbord of the beliefs of Orthodox, Conservative, Reconstructionist, and Reform Jews, rather than polemics about any one interpretation of Jewish belief. We therefore learn about both the unknowable God of medieval Jewish philosopher Maimonides and the equally transcendent God of the contemporary Reform thinker Eugene Borowitz. Ariel describes the ancient rabbinic sages' elaboration on the concept of the afterlife and the kabbalists' belief in the transmigration of souls. He outlines the modern adaptations of the concept of ""the chosen people"" by both secular cultural Zionists and diaspora pietists. Writing of the traditional 613 commandments, Ariel explains both the modern Orthodox integration of ritual practice and modernity, and the Reconstructionist invalidation of defunct Jewish ""folkways."" A chapter on prayer examines the contemplative, personal prayer of the Hasidic masters as well as the growing impact of Zionism on the Reform movement's prayer book. Ariel, president of the Cleveland College of Jewish Studies, feels that an organic inconsistency is the one constant in the history of Jewish belief, that ""Jewish tradition promotes a surprisingly open and pluralistic notion of biblical truth."" The constant evolution of belief from the biblical springboard remains the most significant of the author's ""Jewish sacred myths,"" which underlie all forms of Jewish belief. The evenhanded everything-and-everyone approach may alienate readers committed to one Jewish point of view, and the book has several unproven assumptions stated as facts -- yet Ariel provides a remarkably rich and useful one-volume introduction to millennia of Jewish beliefs.
Review: What Do Jews Believe?: The Spiritual Foundations of Judaism
User Review - Neil - GoodreadsI had to read this book for a class where we are studying the three major Western World Religions [Judaism, Christianity, and Islam]. I found this book a delightful read. It was filled with great ... Read full review
Review: What Do Jews Believe?: The Spiritual Foundations of Judaism
User Review - Jonathan - GoodreadsDavid Ariel walks us through the spiritual aspects of Judaism, covering God, prayer, the Mitzvot, Good & Evil, Torah, human destiny, Jewish messianism and what being the "Chosen People" really entails ... Read full review
Review: What Do Jews Believe?: The Spiritual Foundations of Judaism
User Review - Simcha Wood - GoodreadsThere are currently a number of brilliant surveys of Judaism available, chief among them perhaps being George Robinson's Essential Judaism and Rabbi Telushkin's Jewish Literacy. Nevertheless, David ... Read full review
Review: What Do Jews Believe?: The Spiritual Foundations of Judaism
User Review - Amanda - GoodreadsLooking for the basic spiritual foundations of Judaism? This book delivers its promise. Ariel breaks down the historical and philosophical progression of the basic elements of Judaism (inc. God, Torah ... Read full review
Review: What Do Jews Believe?: The Spiritual Foundations of Judaism
User Review - Elisabeth Ericson - GoodreadsNot a light read, but absolutely thought-provoking. Was looking for something specific, and this gave it to me, for the most part. Read full review
Review: What Do Jews Believe?: The Spiritual Foundations of Judaism
User Review - Rob Koch - GoodreadsIm still working on this but its useful information. Being a total ignoramus on the subject I think its a good overview, but I could be wrong. Read full review
Review: What Do Jews Believe?: The Spiritual Foundations of Judaism
User Review - Mo - GoodreadsI am about halfway through and enjoying this so far...basic and cogent, which is exactly what I need. Read full review
Review: What Do Jews Believe?: The Spiritual Foundations of Judaism
User Review - michael spencer harmon - GoodreadsA decent summary of basic Jewish beliefs and modern practices. A must-read for anyone who ever means to be intentional friends with a person of Hebrew descent. Read full review
