The Complete Idiot's Guide to Jewish History and Culture

Rating:
Summary: When it comes to Jewish history and culture...
Review: When it comes to Jewish history and culture you can't be too educated. I found this Complete Idiot's Guide very informative. This funny book contains an AMAZING amount of facts. It starts from Abraham and goes all the way to the present. It also covers a huge geographical space. The book contains historical sketches of Jewish communities all over the world: from South America and New Zealand to Sweden and Denmark. The part about culture is also very interesting. This chapter is packed with biographical sketches of writers, actors and scientists "...Wow, did you know HE was Jewish too?...". Sometimes the author is a being a bit simplistic. You feel like reading a bedtime story about the bad guys and the good guys. On the other hand, the Rabbi's sense of humor is great, so I was never bored.

Rating:
Summary: The Complete Idiots Guide to Jewish History and Culture
Review: Wonderful! I am jewish by birth, but was never exposed to the culture as a child. This wonderful book has sparked my interest to learn more about "my people". It explains not only what happened but puts things into a historical perspective so that you can understand the political climate of the time and so understand why certain things happened. It even helps one understand the present conflict in the middle east. It explains so much that I just didn't know. I was so fasinated that I have planned a trip to Israel this fall to continue to explore my heritage. By all means, read this book.

Rating:
Summary: The Complete Idiots Guide to Jewish History and Culture
Review: Wonderful! I am jewish by birth, but was never exposed to the culture as a child. This wonderful book has sparked my interest to learn more about "my people". It explains not only what happened but puts things into a historical perspective so that you can understand the political climate of the time and so understand why certain things happened. It even helps one understand the present conflict in the middle east. It explains so much that I just didn't know. I was so fasinated that I have planned a trip to Israel this fall to continue to explore my heritage. By all means, read this book.