What Do Jews Believe? : The Spiritual Foundations of Judaism

Rating:
Summary: A balanced, erudite study of Jewish beliefs.
Review: David Ariel , in "What Do Jews Believe" gives a balanced account of the evolution of Jewish thought and beliefs, demonstrating that Judaism is a living, changing system, always renewing itself. Each chapter covers a different concept: God, the problem of good and evil, mitzvot, prayer, Jewish identity, and starting with the Torah, traces the development of those concepts in the Talmud and among the various sages and schools in Jewish history right up to the present. The book, though an overview, is by necessity deep reading , yet I can think of no other which has succeeded in presenting such an enormous and difficult topic so clearly and fairly. One is left with an awe of and appreciation for Judaism's capacity for creative diversity, while remaining grounded in scripture and history. I consider this book a must for one's personal library.

Rating:
Summary: What Jews Believe And Why
Review: I like the book because it presents belief and history across the spectrum of Jewish thought. It doesn't say some Jews believe this.. some Jews believe that. Ariel explains why Jews believe what they believe and those beliefs evolved.

Rating:
Summary: What Jews Believe And Why
Review: I like the book because it presents belief and history across the spectrum of Jewish thought. It doesn't say some Jews believe this.. some Jews believe that. Ariel explains why Jews believe what they believe and those beliefs evolved.

Rating:
Summary: Brilliant, easily understandable overview.
Review: The most lucid explanation of the basic ideas of Judaism I've ever read. Reccomended for the scholar and the layman. Be sure to read the ethical will to Dr. Ariel's children.