Studying Judaism

The Critical Issues

Melanie J Wright author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Published:15th Mar '12

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

Studying Judaism cover

Concise study guide for the fledgling student of Judaism, covering critical issues and methodology.

A guide to the study of Jewish faith. It uses the dimensional approach to the study of religions as an interpretive framework, and focuses on matters perceived as problematic by insider and/or outsider commentators, such as gender, demography, geo-politics, the 'museumisation' of Jewish cultures and its impact on religion and identity.Thisvolume in the Studying World Religionsseries is an essential guide to the study of Judaism. Clearly structured tocover all the major areas of study, including historical foundations,scripture, worship, society, material culture, thought and ethics, this is theideal study aid for those approaching Judaism for the first time. Studying Judaism offers readers thechance to engage with a religious tradition as a diverse, living phenomenon.Its approach is critical in two major respects: its use of the dimensionalapproach to the study of religions as an interpretive framework, and its focuson matters perceived as problematic by insider and/or outsider commentators,such as gender, demography, geo-politics, the museumization of Jewishcultures and its impact on religion and identity. This book is the perfectcompanion for the fledgling student of Judaism.

Melanie Wright bequeaths the reader an insightful and valuable introduction to the study of Judaism.Her lifetime's devotion to Jewish studies, especially to Jewish culture, makes this book essential for anyone interested in the varieties of Judaism. -- Edward Kessler MBE, Founder and Director, Woolf Institute, UK
Melanie Wright has accomplished an almost impossible task, in compiling an account of Judaism that is comprehensive, readable, fresh and innovative. She writes as a sympathetic outsider, deeply sensitive to different (sometimes conflicting) currents, and to ever-changing concerns. Above all, her reflections on how Judaism - indeed, any religion - ought to be studied merit serious attention. -- Nicholas de Lange, University of Cambridge, UK

ISBN: 9780826497192

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 1698g

248 pages