Facts About Judaism

Gr 3—6—This is a repackaging of a 2004 edition published in the UK that was also published as What Do We Know About Judaism? in 1995. Spreads filled with text boxes, color illustrations and photographs, maps, and symbols attempt to provide succinct, simple answers to broad, complex questions such as "Who Are the Jews?," "How Did Judaism Begin?," "How Do Jews Pray?," "How Does the Jewish Calendar Work?," and "Who Are the Jewish Leaders?" The problem with this approach is that the writing can become so simplistic and general that it risks becoming misleading. For example, it is impossible to tackle a question like "How Do Jewish Families Live?" without explaining the various levels of observance within the Jewish community, and the different customs among Jews around the world. The text only vaguely differentiates between Orthodox Jews and Progressive Jews, a term used in Britain; there is no mention of Reform, Conservative, or Reconstructionist Judaism, the three other main branches of Judaism in the United States. The book is adequate at illustrating rituals, observances, and holiday customs, but students looking to develop an understanding of the basic tenets of Judaism and how it is practiced here, the history of the people, and the connection that Jews of the diaspora feel toward Israel will be disappointed. Douglas Charing's Judaism (DK, 2003) is far superior at providing historical and current information on Judaism throughout the world.—Rachel Kamin, North Suburban Synagogue Beth El, Highland Park, IL