Historical Dictionary of Judaism

"Judaism is one of the first recorded monotheistic religions and one of the oldest religious traditions still practiced today. Like many other cultural institutions, it has rarely remained static - instead, it continually investigates and questions itself, metamorphosing in relation to the world. Although its influences can be seen in both Christianity and Islam, many of its beliefs, traditions, and practices are unknown. This second editon of Historical Dictionary of Judaism presents religious beliefs in a traditional sense while investigating the complex intermingling of religion, devotion, lifestyle, and culture found in diverse Jewish populations around the world." "This book includes a chronology and an introduction that presents an overview of all aspects of Judaism. Numerous cross-referenced dictionary entries detail important people, writings, institutions, concepts, Hebrew words, philosophy, theology, and religious law, and an extensive bibliography provides access for further study."--Jacket.