A guide that examines the Jewish faith and its practices and explores what it really means to be a Jew. From the nature of God to the divisions within Judaism and from worship to everyday customs, it covers the topics essential to an informed understanding of this highly influential 3000-year-old faith and its enduring traditions.

"An admirable introduction to what Jews do, what concerns them, and how these acts and concerns arose and evolved." Graham Harvey - Reader in Religious Studies, The Open University "Written in an engaging style by prominent scholars of Jewish thought, this book offers explanations for Jewish religious practice and insights into contemporary Jewish identity in a concise and clear narrative." Susannah Heschel - Eli Black Professor of Jewish Studies, Dartmouth College "If you are interested in spanning Jewish history so you can understand the fundamentals of Judaism but also want to understand the contemporary controversies surrounding Jewish life, Judaism: A Beginner's Guide is the book to start with." Marc Ellis - Director of the Centre for Jewish Studies, Baylor University