Understanding Judaism: The basics of deed and creed

by Benjamin Blech

Judaism is primarily a religion of actions rather than beliefs. When the Jewish people accepted God's covenant, they committed themselves first to obedience and practice, and then to striving to understand the message implicit in the Torah.

In Understanding Judaism: The Basics of Deed and Creed , a perfect textbook for independent and classroom study, Rabbi Benjamin Blech presents a comprehensive explication of the Jewish faith. What does it meant to be a Jew? How does religion affect the ways in which Jewish people think and act? What are the basic concepts of Judaism? This volume answers these vital questions.

Genres: Judaism, Religion

374 pages, Paperback

First published January 28, 1991

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

[Jordon Gyarmathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing book on Judaism. At first I was offended by the huge claim that Judaism had a preference for Deed over Creed but the text came to explain that carefully in each section. Mitzvot were carefully explained. This book was from more of an orthodox perspective than I am used to reading for sure. I would highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to deepen their Jewish knowledge.

[Samuel A · Rating 3 out of 5]

Explains some basic things about judaism. In one sense, if one is a beginner and just wants to know the position judaism takes, this is a good book. On the other hand, I feel like this book is too long for what it's saying, and sometimes too literal. A beginner would not commit themselves to this book. One has to be already committed, but when one is already committed, this book is not necessary.

[George Serebrennikov · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for everyone who is interested in religious concepts in general and Judaism in particular. I felt deeply ashamed of my ignorance when I learned that ten commandments are not the same in Jewish and Christian interpretations, nor are they apparently the same between Catholics and Protestants. Moreover in Jewish interpretations they are not even commandments, but chapters, separating 613 commandments/mitzvot (at least I did know about that number). Book is full of interesting facts, commentaries, and dilemmas, although sometimes I felt that some commentaries have more sophism than logic.

[Phyllis Neff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good teaching

Love this author! I also have complete idiots guide to understanding Judaism! Intriguing and full of humor! The laffs help me remember the lessons.