Encyclopedia of Judaism explores a religion that has a 2,000-year recorded history and has been a part of the culture of almost every country and society around the globe. Encapsulating all things Jewish—language, laws, literature, arts, theology, ritual, land, culture, and personalities—this authoritative volume offers readers access to Judaism from both a historical and contemporary perspective. Since the demise of the Israelite religion, Jewish people have settled around the world, adapted to their host cultures, and produced cultural variances within Judaism. In doing so, they have experienced prosperity and tragedy, all of which is reflected in this comprehensive reference, along with biographical data on notable Jewish individuals. In about 800 A-to-Z entries, Encyclopedia of Judaism covers Jewish tradition from religious practices in the Temple through exile and diaspora in Europe and Asia, to the expansion of Jewish denominations in America to the modern state of Israel and the continual development of rich diaspora Jewish communities.
A comprehensive introduction, further readings, cross-references, and a chronology, in addition to photographs, a general bibliography, and a thorough index make Encyclopedia of Judaisman easy-to-use and essential reference for high school and college students, researchers, and general readers.
Entries include:Ancient synogoguesArab-Israeli conflictbar/bat mitzvahBrazilCamp DavidChinaAlbert EinsteinEllis IslandAnne FrankRuth Bader GinsburgGuggenheim familyHasidismHolocaustHomosexualityKibbutz, kibbutzimKnessetGolda MeirModern Orthodox movementRabbinic lawRomeSederYitzhak ShamirTel AvivUnited NationsYeshivaYom KippurWarLeopold Zunz.