For almost 4,000 years, Judaism has exerted a powerful influence on thought and culture throughout the world. This readable, authoritative look at this faith from its beginnings to its practice in modern society discusses in detail the Hebrew Scriptures and other writings and the role of mysticism and philosophy in Jewish life. It also includes a brief but thorough explanation of the holidays. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title. Editorial Reviews From Library Journal Offering itself as a basic guide to the history, description, and practice of the Jewish faith, this book is poorly organized and replete with inaccuracies and misinformation. The author attempts to cover too much territory in a very brief space, and the result is a jumbled mishmash that will confuse readers. His gravest fault, however, is his inaccuracy regarding many aspects of his material. To cite two cases in point: His treatment of the ancient Hebrews and the origins of monotheism is at variance with the latest in biblical research, and his description of Franz Rosenzweig's philosophy of Judaism is misleading. For an excellent introduction to this subject, see Emil L. Fackenheim's What Is Judaism ( LJ 10/1/87). Not recommended. - Robert A. Silver, Shaker Heights P.L., Ohio Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.