The Complete Idiot's Guide to Understanding Judaism

by Benjamin Blech

One of the Guides' most popular religion titles, Understanding Judaism covers:

€ The major denominations of Judaism and how modern times have changed them
€ A history, from ancient times to current events
€ Threats to the religion; Israel and anti-Zionism; anti-Semitism
€ New concerns for the 21st century, and much more.

Understanding Judaism, its roots, its beliefs, and its traditions is crucial to understanding its people and its leaders. And, in light of current world events, this understanding is more important now than ever before

Genres: Judaism, Religion, Nonfiction, Jewish, Reference, History

433 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

About the author

Benjamin Blech, born in Zurich in 1933, is an Orthodox rabbi who now lives in New York City.

Rabbi Blech has been a Professor of Talmud at Yeshiva University since 1966, and was the Rabbi of Young Israel of Oceanside for 37 years. In addition to his work in the rabbinate, Rabbi Blech has written many books on Judaism and the Jewish people and speaks on Jewish topics to communities around the world.

Rabbi Blech received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Yeshiva University, a Master of Arts degree in psychology from Columbia University, and rabbinic ordination from the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary.

Reviews

[Czarny Pies · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent book covering the basic elements of practising the Judaic faith in North America. The section on the 613 Mishnaic commandments is particularly helpful on a day to day basis.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Blech indeed. A comprehensive overview with lots of interesting points. Very helpful in understanding Judaism, as is to be expected. Granted, I'm not a complete idiot, so I object to the author's statements about the efficacy of prayer (studies have proven exactly the opposite of his conclusion and scientists are not, by the way, baffled). But for one interested in an overview of the world's main religions, as I am, it is a place to start.

[Natalie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Please don't bother unless you're writing a 4th grade informative essay and you don't mind corny kitschy titles and goofy illustrations. I guess it is as advertised.
But it comes with dogma--no extra charge.

[Daniela Pisetta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Muito elucidativo. Apesar da dificuldade do tema, tudo é tratado de forma muito leve e bem-humorada.

[Amy Langston · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a comprehensive introduction to Judaism. The author is a fairly prolific writer and speaker on Jewish topics. The second edition includes a few updates on national/international events that occurred since its initial publication. The book covers many subjects, and arranges them in a creative fashion—e.g., the section on home life includes a chapter on welcome in (the symbols), the kitchen (kosher preparation), the dining room (common foods), the bedroom (sex), and the child’s room (parenting). The author writes very well and infuses the text with his knowledge of pop culture. It was a delight to feel his enthusiasm for Judaism. I enjoyed many of the quotes and anecdotes scattered throughout the book.

Blech is an Orthodox Jew and writes rather solely from an Orthodox perspective. Even when you get to the sections explaining the divisions of Judaism, it’s clear where his preference lies (but if you came this far, you already knew). I couldn’t figure out who his target audience was: Jews or non-Jews. His goal appeared to be justifying a rationale for Jewish practice and belief and explain why it’s the good way to do things. The tone, while lively, was also defensive. He may have an affinity for kabbalah, making frequent references to kabbalistic ideas and Jewish numerology. He occasionally compared Judaism to Christianity, and in so doing I think he sometimes misrepresented Christianity. Some comments came off as harsh. At times, I felt like I was reading not an introduction to Judaism, but an apologetic for it.

I wouldn't recommend this book if it is your first dive into Judaism. It'll be too much information and not presented in the way you're likely looking for. This book could be a nice edition to the shelf of a scholar or a Jewish home looking to go deeper into the meaning of Jewish practices.

[Keyla Rhoades · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did learn some, but it felt too watered down to be of much use in spiritual growth and journey. It also seemed tacky with some of the notes and drawings. Like it was poking fun at it.

Also finding questions that I thought would be important and well answered in here was hard. Some were missing altogether and must of the answers I did find would so broad I don’t feel like I have a good general understanding

[Athena Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a really good book I would of given it five stars of it would of got into more of the Jewish holidays and how the Jewish religion got started

[Zach · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great introduction with lots of humor that makes the text very accessible.

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant book. I learnt a lot.

[Lígia Penia]

Muito interessante. Livro completo e leve de ler.

[Mindy Schaper · Rating 5 out of 5]

We had this in my house when I was young. It was cute, accurate, and engaging.

[Marcio Jose]

fantástico agente deve se conectar a historia do povo judeu

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much more than an idiot's guide! This is actually an impressively in-depth book on Judaism. Rabbi Blech is hilarious and extremely informative. Since beginning this book, I have unwittingly embarrassed several secular Jewish friends and co-workers by knowing more about Jewish traditions than them. I bought it because I thought I should know a little more about Judaism, and I now find myself learning a lot.

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought the rabbi that wrote this was hysterical, which made it easier to read. I learned things about my religion/culture that I never knew reasons behind. The best part about it is you can turn to it for weddings, funerals/shivas, and any holiday to learn pretty much everything you need to know. Fell in love and was 100 times prouder of my religion and culture all over again!

[Charlotte Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book as I have an interest in world religions and wanted to know more and also I had to do a presentation for work in my role as Diversity Officer. This is an excellent introduction to one of the world's oldest religions. And a starting point for anyone who is wanting to explore further. Very comprehensively written and informative. I really must dig out my copy and re read this.

[Matty Lapointe-Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would love to get this quote tattooed in Hebrew (yes I know getting a tattoo is technically not allowed in Judaism):
"He asked for all things that he might enjoy life; he was given life that he might enjoy all things."

[Jodi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great reference book for the holidays and traditions...especially when my child asks "Why do we...?"

[Becky Keeley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I watched a fun movie, called "Arranged," about an Orthodox Jewish girl who becomes friends with a Muslim girl in NYC and now I want to find out more.

[Franziska Gonzalez · Rating 4 out of 5]

it is very good and simple to follow.

[Tipper · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good overview, written by a Modern Orthodox rabbi but respectful of all traditions. I laughed out loud more than once at the jokes and tales from the pulpit.