Essential Judaism

by George Robinson

What happens at a synagogue service? What are the rules for keeping kosher? How do I light the Hanukah candles? What is in the Hebrew Bible? What do the Jewish holidays signify? What should I be teaching my children about being Jewish? A landmark reference, here is an indispensable one-volume guide to the religious traditions, everyday practices, philosophical beliefs, and historical foundations of Judaism -- everything you need to know about being Jewish. In Essential Judaism, George Robinson has created the accessible compendium that he sought when he rediscovered his Jewish roots as an adult. Robinson illuminates the Jewish life cycle at every stage, and lays out many fascinating aspects of Judaism -- the Kabbalah, Jewish mysticism, the evolution of Hasidism, and much more -- while keeping a firm focus on the different paths to living a good Jewish life in today's world.

Embracing Judaism

by Simcha Kling, revised by Carl M. Perkins

Since its original publication in 1987, Embracing Judaism has enjoyed much popularity as a warm and accessible introduction to Judaism and a supportive guide for Jews by choice. This book will bring readers closer to understanding the foundations and development of Judaism, as well as the basics of Jewish life and practice. This updated edition contains new material, a revised personal essay by Rachel Cowan, and a comprehensive bibliography.

"More than Judaism 101, more than a convert's primer, this book delivers the basics of Jewish tradition with remarkable sensitivity, clarity, and inclusiveness born of loving-kindness. Rachel Cowan's essay alone is worth the cover price." -Letty Cottin Pogrebin, author of Deborah, Golda and Me: Being Female and Jewish in America

Basic Judaism

by Milton Steinberg

Rabbi Steinberg identifies seven strands that weave together to make up Judaism: God, morality, rite and custom, law, sacred literature, institutions, and the people. A classic work directed to both the Jewish and the non-Jewish reader.

It's a Mitzvah!: Step-By-Step to Jewish Living

by Bradley Shavit Artson

A guide to Jewish living, this book is the starting point for everyone who wants to increase his or her level of Jewish commitment, but doesn't know where or how to begin. From lighting candles on Shabbat to spending a night in a homeless shelter, this book identifies hundreds of opportunities to transform daily living into Jewish living. Over 100 pictures detail the richness and diversity of Jewish life in action.

Amazing Adventures of the Jewish People

by Max I. Dimont

A celebrated author takes on the entire sweep of Jewish history. A concise, provocative, and delightfully readable account.

Tanakh: The Holy Scriptures--The New JPS Translation According to the Traditional Hebrew Text (Paperback Edition)

Jewish Publication Society

The JPS Hebrew-English TANAKH features the oldest-known complete Hebrew version of the Holy Scriptures, side by side with JPS's renowned English translation. Its well-designed format allows for ease of reading and features clear type, an engaging and efficient two-column format that enables readers to move quickly from one language to another, and an organization that contemporary readers will find familiar.

This edition also includes an informative preface that discusses the history of Bible translation, focusing on the latest JPS English translation of the Holy Scriptures. It is the result of a 30-year interdenominational collaboration of eminent Jewish Bible scholars. Readers are sure to appreciate one of the most intensive projects in the history of The Jewish Publication Society.

Emet Ve-Emunah: Statement of Principles of Conservative Judaism

by Robert Gordis

Keeping Kosher: A Diet for the Soul

Newly revised guide based on A Guide to Observance by Seymour Siegel.

An essay on the meaning of the dietary laws for our lives, followed by a practical guide to the observance of kashrut. Revised edition. Published jointly with the Rabbinical Assembly.

Your People, My People

by Lena Romanoff

“Unlike many religions, Judaism has always discouraged converts, and the obstacles facing a prospective convert are manifold. Romanoff, director of the Jewish Converts Network, is in a unique position to provide guidance and direction to those considering conversion. Drawing on her own experiences as a convert, as well as situations encountered through her counseling activities, she has written a book with an appealing immediacy. She explains how "being Jewish" is not only a matter of faith but of acceptance into a closely knit community that shares a historical and cultural heritage. Romanoff does not minimize the persistence potential converts need to attain their goal. She includes chapters on the emotional impact of conversion, integrating into a spouse's family, maintaining relations with the non-Jewish family, raising children, etc. This informative book is indispensable for anyone considering conversion to Judaism.”

- Carol R. Glatt, Northeastern Hospital of Philadelphia from Library Journal

Living Judaism: The Complete Guide to Jewish Belief, Tradition, and Practice

by Wayne D. Dosick

Why is the Torah central to the Jewish faith? How did the Talmud originate? What do Jewish holidays celebrate? What goes on a synagogue worship service? How to kosher dietary laws work? Why is the land of Israel so important for Jews? These are just a few of the questions Rabbi Wayne Dosick answers in this masterly overview of Jewish faith and tradition, now available in a handsome paperback edition. Writing in short, accessible chapers that cover Jewish beliefs, people, literature, holidays, worship, and living, he captures the essence of Judaism, honoring and explicating the diversity of Jewish thought and observance, from Reform and Conservation to Orthodox. With a timeline of Jewish history and thought-provoking essys on the Jewish idea of God, good and evil, the messiah, believing in the Bible, prayer, right and wrong, the Holocaust, and Israel, Living Judaism is the definitive introduction to one of the world's great religions.

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

by Joseph Telushkin

• How much do you know about Judaism?
• How did the Ten Lost Tribes become lost?
• Are circumcisions performed on the Sabbath ?
• Which country first granted Jews equal rights?
• When was polygamy outlawed for Jews?
• Why does Jewish law compare gossiping to murder?

You'll find the answers to these questions -- and much more -- in this insightful and comprehensive guide. Written by esteemed rabbi and bestselling author Joseph Telushkin, Jewish Literacy has become one of the most respected and widely used reference books on Jewish life, culture, religion, and tradition. Now revised and updated, this fascinating volume distills a vast body of scholarship into 348 short, readable chapters, making the rich and complex history of Judaism accessible to any reader.