Review of Judaism, A Very Short Introduction

Author Norman Solomon's Intro on Jewish History and Jewish Culture

Oct 22, 2009 Linda Gentile

Norman Solomon's Judaism: A Very Short Introduction is an intelligent and interesting introduction to Jewish history, Jewish culture and Judaism in general.

Judaism – A Very Short Introduction (VSI) by Norman Solomon is a brief, well-written guide to the underlying principles of Judaism, along with some of the important players in the Jewish history. What would otherwise have remained a dry, intellectual textbook is peppered with enough dry humor to keep the reader engaged.

Starting with the Jewish history, the VSI book goes on to explain some of the traditions that are associated with Judaism, including its festivals and the reasons for them. Of particular interest is that around the time of Jesus' birth, there was no distinction between "Jews" and "Christians." Such distinctions developed much later, when the Torah and Bible were written.

While one set of believers determined that they had found the Messiah and the other believed he had not yet come, these people all remained Jewish. In the early years of Jewish history, the religion was quite fluid, and it took several centuries for the "Book religion" forms of Judaism and Christianity to be founded, with both sides making an attempt to capture what they believed in writing.

An Introduction to Jewish Law and the Torah

Modern Judaism has several different divisions, including Orthodox and Reform, and many different approaches to the religion. The Torah contains Jewish religious law, and just like criminal and civil law it is subject to interpretation.

The author suggests that the principles, if not the details, of the ancient Jewish book can still be applied to modern life, in a manner similar to how these principles were applied at the time when the Torah was written; it is this interpretive approach that can help keep the religion fluid and growing, preventing stagnation.

Judaism as a Spiritual Discipline

Soloman's book about Jewish religion presents Judaism as a deeply spiritual faith; it is described as a religion of the conscious, part of a lifestyle: not something to do once a week and then forget about for the next seven days. The book gives an interesting insight into what Judaism is like from the inside.

The author posits that Judasim is a faith that requires one to examine one's own conscience, and interpret what to do on that basis as opposed to following a doctrine blindly. It's also a faith that is actively trying to adapt itself to the modern world instead of staying stuck a century or more in the past.

At just over a hundred pages, the tiny book (with equally tiny print) is filled with insights and interesting information about the beliefs inherent to Judaism, the issues it faces, and the divisions within the religion. For an outsider who desires a glimpse into what Judaism is about, Judaism: A Very Short Introduction works very well. The book would make an excellent discussion piece for a book club or high school group.

Further Reading on Religion and Philosophy

Readers may also be interested in the Very Short Introduction series in general, since it contains numerous books that provide basic information about religions and philosophies.

The copyright of the article Review of Judaism, A Very Short Introduction in Judaism is owned by Linda Gentile. Permission to republish Review of Judaism, A Very Short Introduction in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Judaism: A Very Short Introduction

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