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Very Short Introductions #011
Judaism: A Very Short Introduction, 2nd Edition
Normon Solomon's succinct book is an ideal introduction to Judaism as a religion and way of life. Demonstrating the diverse nature and ethnic origin of Jewish people, Solomon explores how the religion has developed in the 2,000 years since the days of the Bible. This Very Short Introduction starts by outlining the basics of practical Judaism, including: festivals, prayers, customs, and various sects--and goes on to consider how Judaism has responded to, and dealt with, a number of key issues and debates, including the impact of the Holocaust and the establishment of the State of Israel. In this new edition, Solomon considers issues of contemporary Judaism in the twenty-first century, incorporating new material on the relationship between the Muslim faith and Judaism, the rise of Zohar and Kabala, and considers how the faith deals with issues such as homosexuality and gay marriage.
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First published January 1, 1996
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About the author
Norman Solomon
11 books7 followersNorman Solomon is a British rabbi, professor, and scholar in the field of Jewish studies and Jewish-Christian relations. He was born in Cardiff, South Wales in 1933 and attended Cardiff High School and St. John’s College, Cambridge. He attained rabbinic ordination at Jews' College (London School of Jewish Studies) in London, England and a Ph.D. at the University of Manchester. He served Orthodox congregations in Manchester, Liverpool, London and Birmingham, England. He was later director of the Centre for the Study of Judaism and Jewish-Christian Relations at the Selly Oak Colleges, Birmingham and a Fellow in Modern Jewish Thought at the Oxford Centre for Hebrew and Jewish Studies. He was also lecturer in Theology at the University of Oxford. He currently holds the position of Professor of Judaica at the Graduate Theological Foundation. A former Vice President of the World Congress of Faiths, a Patron of the International Interfaith Centre and an Adviser to the International Council of Christians and Jews, he has been actively involved in interfaith dialogue with Christians and Muslims. He has written five books and over seventy articles on a wide range of issues in the fields of Jewish studies and Jewish-Christian relations. He has also edited a number of volumes in these fields. His major works include his books Judaism and World Religion, The Analytic Movement: Hayyim Soloveitchik and His School, The Talmud: A Selection and Torah from Heaven.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
April 15, 2019
"The spirit of Judaism is freedom in doctrine and conformity in action."
- Norman Solomon quoting Moses Mendlssohn, Politics: VSI
Vol N° 11 of Oxford's Very Short Introductins series, Judaism, covers all its bases and delivers a useful, if uninspiring look at Judaism. Don't get me wrong. There are several sections I enjoyed, but even in the beginning, Solomon might have been able to condense Judaism down to 150 pages, but he extracted the joy and the energy. He is locked, in this book/format, in a strict academic style that both wastes time and patronizes. Let's just pretend a book by Oxford already exists that lets us know that in all following VSI books that 1) English isn't neutral, 2) the part is not the whole and the whole is not the part, and 3) religion can't be divorced from society, history, language, every group has the right to define itself. Great. Again, too much time spent on the appetizers and you've kind let the main course get cold.
- Norman Solomon quoting Moses Mendlssohn, Politics: VSI
Vol N° 11 of Oxford's Very Short Introductins series, Judaism, covers all its bases and delivers a useful, if uninspiring look at Judaism. Don't get me wrong. There are several sections I enjoyed, but even in the beginning, Solomon might have been able to condense Judaism down to 150 pages, but he extracted the joy and the energy. He is locked, in this book/format, in a strict academic style that both wastes time and patronizes. Let's just pretend a book by Oxford already exists that lets us know that in all following VSI books that 1) English isn't neutral, 2) the part is not the whole and the whole is not the part, and 3) religion can't be divorced from society, history, language, every group has the right to define itself. Great. Again, too much time spent on the appetizers and you've kind let the main course get cold.
February 7, 2018
Several eminent professors of Jewish studies have praised Solomon’s introduction to Jewish identity, history and practices, but I found it curiously disappointing. I kept wondering who is the intended audience? It’s too spotty to help a complete novice, and I’m not sure how non-specialist Jews would respond. Is it written for a mainly English audience (probably, given its Oxford publication). What about America, which scores mentions in later chapters on Judaism today?
Part of my disappointment is because Solomon grounds his discussion on Jews and Jewishness in a non-defined Christian Europe, starting with the observation that this book is in the English language, that English evolved in a Christian culture and that in turn colours how Jews and Jewishness are described.
It took me a second reading to pick up what is to Solomon a key point: Christianity grew out of a conflict within 1st century Judaism, and defined itself against Judaism.
So he begins the first chapter, Who Are the Jews? s by describing who they used to be in medieval Christendom – the ‘chosen people’ of God’, who had not only rejected Jesus but been complicit, if not actually responsible for, his death. Both Christian and Islamic societies, he notes, devised measures to keep them outside political and social structures, pushing them into lowly status, but there are no details and virtually nothing about Sephardic Jews and those living in Muslim countries.
Jewish separateness, he argues, stemmed both from Jewish tradition and the surrounding cultures, Christian and Muslim, which ‘reinforced one another in drawing sharp lines to set Jews apart from their geographical neighbours’ until the ideas of the Enlightenment began to percolate, Jews began to be released from ghetto restrictions and began to argue that public law should treat all people equally.
I realise that VSIs are by their very nature very brief summaries, but over and again I found myself thinking that things had been simplified to the point where a whole view, even of northern Europe let alone the rest, was just not there.
Solomon looks very briefly at three factors identified by Michael Meyer as contributing to the formation of contemporary Jewish identity – the Enlightenment, anti-Semitism and the formation of the State of Israel, and moves on to a quick overview of how Judaism and Christianity split up.
Rather than attempt a narrative, Solomon deals with the question of how Judaism evolved by summarising the ideas of key thinkers and commentators over many centuries, ending abruptly with Moses Mendelssohn’s post-Enlightenment ‘synthesis between tradition and modernity’. Again, I found this approach unsatisfactory.
Chapters on the Jewish calendar and events, Jewish prayers and household rituals are followed by brief discussions of the emergence of the Reform movements in the 19th century and ongoing issues within the various Jewish communities (Orthodox, Reform, Conservative etc) on issues such as the place of women; medical ethics; marriage; homosexuality; attitudes to Zionism and church-State relationships - the extent to which life should be lived under religious or secular law.
I found the last two chapters to be the most interesting –quick discussions of Zionism, religion and the State of Israel; the Holocaust; and abortion, euthanasia and artificial insemination which are challenging moral issues for many religions and societies.
Part of my disappointment is because Solomon grounds his discussion on Jews and Jewishness in a non-defined Christian Europe, starting with the observation that this book is in the English language, that English evolved in a Christian culture and that in turn colours how Jews and Jewishness are described.
It took me a second reading to pick up what is to Solomon a key point: Christianity grew out of a conflict within 1st century Judaism, and defined itself against Judaism.
So he begins the first chapter, Who Are the Jews? s by describing who they used to be in medieval Christendom – the ‘chosen people’ of God’, who had not only rejected Jesus but been complicit, if not actually responsible for, his death. Both Christian and Islamic societies, he notes, devised measures to keep them outside political and social structures, pushing them into lowly status, but there are no details and virtually nothing about Sephardic Jews and those living in Muslim countries.
Jewish separateness, he argues, stemmed both from Jewish tradition and the surrounding cultures, Christian and Muslim, which ‘reinforced one another in drawing sharp lines to set Jews apart from their geographical neighbours’ until the ideas of the Enlightenment began to percolate, Jews began to be released from ghetto restrictions and began to argue that public law should treat all people equally.
I realise that VSIs are by their very nature very brief summaries, but over and again I found myself thinking that things had been simplified to the point where a whole view, even of northern Europe let alone the rest, was just not there.
Solomon looks very briefly at three factors identified by Michael Meyer as contributing to the formation of contemporary Jewish identity – the Enlightenment, anti-Semitism and the formation of the State of Israel, and moves on to a quick overview of how Judaism and Christianity split up.
Rather than attempt a narrative, Solomon deals with the question of how Judaism evolved by summarising the ideas of key thinkers and commentators over many centuries, ending abruptly with Moses Mendelssohn’s post-Enlightenment ‘synthesis between tradition and modernity’. Again, I found this approach unsatisfactory.
Chapters on the Jewish calendar and events, Jewish prayers and household rituals are followed by brief discussions of the emergence of the Reform movements in the 19th century and ongoing issues within the various Jewish communities (Orthodox, Reform, Conservative etc) on issues such as the place of women; medical ethics; marriage; homosexuality; attitudes to Zionism and church-State relationships - the extent to which life should be lived under religious or secular law.
I found the last two chapters to be the most interesting –quick discussions of Zionism, religion and the State of Israel; the Holocaust; and abortion, euthanasia and artificial insemination which are challenging moral issues for many religions and societies.
May 3, 2016
Just like in Islam VSI where the book starts from a point other than discussing the religion itself, this book also starts from a very defensive position, then I think, it recovers itself after few chapters, going into: the faith, the festivals, the prayers and stories.
Still Buddhism and Hinduism had better luck in this series than the Abrahamic religions so far.
I didn't like the part of Zionism and Israel, I think they were too biased.
And like all the books in this series, further reading is required, but it gives a good overview on the subject.
I am really enjoying the history of faith in the Will Durant Age of Faith Story of Civilization, how they came to be and how they pulled from each other and developed through modern ages.
Still Buddhism and Hinduism had better luck in this series than the Abrahamic religions so far.
I didn't like the part of Zionism and Israel, I think they were too biased.
And like all the books in this series, further reading is required, but it gives a good overview on the subject.
I am really enjoying the history of faith in the Will Durant Age of Faith Story of Civilization, how they came to be and how they pulled from each other and developed through modern ages.
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August 6, 2021Interesting, but not as well organized as the Marx book in this series. I was very confused at the beginning of the book since the author didn't do a very good job explaining the basics of Judaism. Even though this is supposed to be an introduction, the author seemed to assume that the reader had some sort of background in theology or Judaism.
The second half was much better imo and I enjoyed it. I particularly liked the section on Jewish traditions and Jewish ethics/philosophy.
The second half was much better imo and I enjoyed it. I particularly liked the section on Jewish traditions and Jewish ethics/philosophy.
September 30, 2018
A concise and mostly well-written introduction to Jewish culture, customs and history, from both a religious and a secular perspective.
January 26, 2009
Norman Solomon's JUDAISM: A Very Short Introduction is a fairly typical installment in this Oxford University Press series. Within 150 pages, Solomon tries to give a very basic but nonetheless wide-ranging introduction to Judaism. Solomon was a fellow in Modern Jewish Thought at Oxford, and one of the major themes of his book is that Judaism is very difficult to define exactly. He emphasizes that Judaism is not a direct continuation of the religion of ancient Israel, but has its real beginnings in the dogma of rabbinic Judaism. This dogma has then been engaged by new religious movements, or left behind by those or see Judaism as just an ethnic identity or a general outlook on life. What Solomon gives us in his book is less one coherent faith, and more a variety of sometimes mutually contradictory beliefs and traditions that have all been referred to as Jewish.
A book in this format is probably never going to be completely satisfying. At a time when lame antisemitism is making a comeback due to the political situation in the Middle East, I wished he could have offered some response to the argument that Judaism is a "racist religion", with membership in the faith and ethnic origin almost always tightly interwined. In fact, the entire phenomenon of conversion to Judaism is not discussed at all. Also, the book was first published in 1996 with a reprinting in 2000. A revised version is necessary to add to the history of Israel in chapter 8, which ends on a hopeful note with Oslo II.
A book in this format is probably never going to be completely satisfying. At a time when lame antisemitism is making a comeback due to the political situation in the Middle East, I wished he could have offered some response to the argument that Judaism is a "racist religion", with membership in the faith and ethnic origin almost always tightly interwined. In fact, the entire phenomenon of conversion to Judaism is not discussed at all. Also, the book was first published in 1996 with a reprinting in 2000. A revised version is necessary to add to the history of Israel in chapter 8, which ends on a hopeful note with Oslo II.
April 12, 2017
A Jewish man visited his Rabbi, and complained about all his life's miseries. As he was finishing, he drops the piece of bread he is buttering, and it lands with the buttered side up. The man is delighted, and says to the Rabbi, 'Surely this is a sign that my luck is changing!'
'No', intones the Rabbi solemnly, 'you buttered the wrong side.'
Did you laugh? That joke is very Jewish humour (I'm told), and the tone of this book feels very similar, so it should give you some idea of what to expect. At any rate, it is an eye-opening interface onto a historical and cultural world that most of us know very little about, and to that extent alone I recommend it.
'No', intones the Rabbi solemnly, 'you buttered the wrong side.'
Did you laugh? That joke is very Jewish humour (I'm told), and the tone of this book feels very similar, so it should give you some idea of what to expect. At any rate, it is an eye-opening interface onto a historical and cultural world that most of us know very little about, and to that extent alone I recommend it.
March 24, 2020
Considering the second edition was published in 2014, there's some really outdated language in this and you can tell Solomon is a bit homophobic.
April 5, 2020
A good primer on information about Judaism. Solid mix of history, religion, and some of the many forces that have shaped Judaism, especially over the last 400 years. It is short, but packs lots of information for someone looking to get a basic grasp on the reasons for some of the customs of Judaism.
January 13, 2018
I realize that anything branded "A Very Short Introduction" will of necessity be brief, but I found this overview of Judaism disappointing.
Clearly, I'm not expert on Judaism, or I wouldn't be reading a Very Short Introduction on the subject, but I have had more than the typical exposure to Judaism. Raised Christian, I am an organist, and as such, worked for a Reform synagogue for several years and during that time, became very interested in the religion and tradition. My husband was also raised Christian, but by an Orthodox-raised father and knew his still-Orthodox grandparents well. Between us, we have non-trivial "ties" to Judaism. We recently attended Kabbalat Shabbat at a Conservative synagogue, and have attended Shabbat and High Holy Days services at Reform synagogues.
I was disappointed with this overview for several reasons. First, the author seemed to be somewhat biased toward mainstream (as opposed to Ultra-) Orthodox positions. Every author has a point of view, and I don't begrudge him that. It simply took me by surprise. I guess I was expecting something a bit more professionally detached and more all-encompassing from the author. Also, given his obviously attached point of view, I then would have expected the descriptions of both the religious and cultural traditions to be lively, real, and engaging. They were the opposite and didn't even touch on some of what to me are the most important aspects of Jewish culture. For example, the multiplicity of diverse foodways cultivated by the diaspora get basically zero mention. Finally, I find it simply bizarre that such an overview would hardly mention Jewish mystical traditions. Yes, today Kabbalah has been "appropriated" by some high-profile outsiders, but in my opinion, that makes it even more important to discuss its historical and modern expressions within the tradition, as well as other mystical systems, historical and modern.
The reason I chose a VSI in the first place was for the references, but that, too, is problematic. Though this second edition was published in 2014, only 5 of the references have been updated to anything written in the previous decade.
Ah well. My expectations were probably set too high due to my personal engagement with the topic.
Clearly, I'm not expert on Judaism, or I wouldn't be reading a Very Short Introduction on the subject, but I have had more than the typical exposure to Judaism. Raised Christian, I am an organist, and as such, worked for a Reform synagogue for several years and during that time, became very interested in the religion and tradition. My husband was also raised Christian, but by an Orthodox-raised father and knew his still-Orthodox grandparents well. Between us, we have non-trivial "ties" to Judaism. We recently attended Kabbalat Shabbat at a Conservative synagogue, and have attended Shabbat and High Holy Days services at Reform synagogues.
I was disappointed with this overview for several reasons. First, the author seemed to be somewhat biased toward mainstream (as opposed to Ultra-) Orthodox positions. Every author has a point of view, and I don't begrudge him that. It simply took me by surprise. I guess I was expecting something a bit more professionally detached and more all-encompassing from the author. Also, given his obviously attached point of view, I then would have expected the descriptions of both the religious and cultural traditions to be lively, real, and engaging. They were the opposite and didn't even touch on some of what to me are the most important aspects of Jewish culture. For example, the multiplicity of diverse foodways cultivated by the diaspora get basically zero mention. Finally, I find it simply bizarre that such an overview would hardly mention Jewish mystical traditions. Yes, today Kabbalah has been "appropriated" by some high-profile outsiders, but in my opinion, that makes it even more important to discuss its historical and modern expressions within the tradition, as well as other mystical systems, historical and modern.
The reason I chose a VSI in the first place was for the references, but that, too, is problematic. Though this second edition was published in 2014, only 5 of the references have been updated to anything written in the previous decade.
Ah well. My expectations were probably set too high due to my personal engagement with the topic.
May 8, 2023
The pieces of this book are better than the sum of its parts.
My main complaint is with the order of the book's sections. Before you can learn anything about Judaism's beliefs or traditions, you have to sit through about a dozen different mini-biographies about different Jewish historical figures. The section is really confusing for an introduction, since almost no context has been discussed yet. It's like giving an introduction to Catholicism, and starting with detailed biographies of all the 14th century popes. Like, sure, they're probably important, but not as important as establishing the subject's necessary basics. I don't know why Soloman's editor let him do this.
The other sections were fine, and much more fitting for an introduction. Some of the parts about Israel are outdated, but that's to be expected for a book published 30 years ago.
In the end, I'm lukewarm.
My main complaint is with the order of the book's sections. Before you can learn anything about Judaism's beliefs or traditions, you have to sit through about a dozen different mini-biographies about different Jewish historical figures. The section is really confusing for an introduction, since almost no context has been discussed yet. It's like giving an introduction to Catholicism, and starting with detailed biographies of all the 14th century popes. Like, sure, they're probably important, but not as important as establishing the subject's necessary basics. I don't know why Soloman's editor let him do this.
The other sections were fine, and much more fitting for an introduction. Some of the parts about Israel are outdated, but that's to be expected for a book published 30 years ago.
In the end, I'm lukewarm.
July 11, 2019
This book is a bit dated (1996), but the information and insight is nevertheless welcomed and beneficial for an uninitiated reader (i.e. I do not identify as an American Jewish person). However, I would be interested in a revised edition that takes into account events and developments from its publication to today: the Israeli/Palestinian conflict, modern Antisemitism, LGBTQ issues, etc.
March 4, 2024
Lacks any external critical perspective. Soloman even uses inspirational heroic biographies as a substitute for history.
May 30, 2024
I picked this book in late 2023, when on a day-trip to Oxford, fascinated by the concept of the Very Short Introductions series. With all the events happening in Israel and Palestine, I realised that I needed more knowledge to contextualise the news and the various opinions I read and heard on the topic. Learning more about Judaism seemed to be a good place to start.
Packed with just the right amount of history, this introduction gave me the overview I needed. It covers the origins of Judaism and why it split with Christianism (or the other way around), with all the nuances that led to the emergence of various denominations such as Orthodox, Reform and other smaller ones.
The part that I found the most interesting focused on how Jewish culture differs from the Christian one; things like the calendar, the festivals, the way of life and the approach to contemporary societal issues. The author concludes that nowadays, both religions have a mainstream following that has distanced itself from the more strict traditions, allowing them to adapt to and persist in the modern age we live in.
Packed with just the right amount of history, this introduction gave me the overview I needed. It covers the origins of Judaism and why it split with Christianism (or the other way around), with all the nuances that led to the emergence of various denominations such as Orthodox, Reform and other smaller ones.
The part that I found the most interesting focused on how Jewish culture differs from the Christian one; things like the calendar, the festivals, the way of life and the approach to contemporary societal issues. The author concludes that nowadays, both religions have a mainstream following that has distanced itself from the more strict traditions, allowing them to adapt to and persist in the modern age we live in.
June 3, 2024
A question I'm glad the author mentioned is one I consider quite often-
What if Kahina Dahiya bint Thabbita ibn Tifan marched up to Spain after Hasan? She could have created a radically different history than the one we see today. A Muslim Europe and a Judeo-Christian Levant? Fascinating.
Also interesting to see the ups and downs (Slayer!) of Judaism and the form in which we have it today:
What if Kahina Dahiya bint Thabbita ibn Tifan marched up to Spain after Hasan? She could have created a radically different history than the one we see today. A Muslim Europe and a Judeo-Christian Levant? Fascinating.
Also interesting to see the ups and downs (Slayer!) of Judaism and the form in which we have it today:
January 8, 2021
It is okay, to understand a bit more.
Not a page turner. (Took me a year for a little more than 100p)
Not a page turner. (Took me a year for a little more than 100p)
May 30, 2020
Interesting book. The only negative thing is its preaching/missionary/promoting tone, I just expected something with a more neutral tone.
July 8, 2017
This is one of my favorites among the very short introductions, so far! In a very accessible way, it shows the richness and variety of Judaism as a religion and as a way of life. It outlines its festivals, prayers, customs, the various sects, the Holocaust, the State of Israel, the status of women, and ethics, among other aspects.
January 23, 2021
Barely an introduction. A few hours on Wikipedia would be more useful.
February 11, 2017
Before I go to Israel in June, I plan on reading books on that country. I thought this might be a good book to refresh my memory on Judaism. Some of the reviews of this book didn't like the comparison of Judaism to Christianity in the beginning of the book, I liked it. What I like about these Very Short Introductions is that they are meant to encourage further reading, and this book certainly did that. I also learned some things I didn't know.
March 11, 2013
I love the very short introductions. This one was no exception. An incredibly hard-to-pin-down subject, made clear and accessible but not overly simplified. Plus beautifully, intelligently written, and often funny (a pleasant surprise). I learned a ton, and would like to read more; wish the bibliography were more up to date, but this is not the author's fault, as the book has been out for a while. Of most interest to me: the discussions of Torah and rabbinical scholarship; the differences between Reform, Orthodox, Conservative Judaism; the profiles of Jewish scholars, thinkers, humanitarians, writers across wildly different cultures and time periods; the consideration of Judaism and Feminism.
And an important (to me) side point: the very short introductions are so beautiful to look at and pleasing to hold. I love the way they look all lined up on a shelf at a bookstore, like members of a very short, very intelligent family.
And an important (to me) side point: the very short introductions are so beautiful to look at and pleasing to hold. I love the way they look all lined up on a shelf at a bookstore, like members of a very short, very intelligent family.
March 17, 2019
Judaism seems quite complicated. I thought this book explained it well.
November 20, 2018
This is the first Very Short Introduction I read in full. This book packs tons of information in a small space. I would describe it as an introduction to the scholarship surrounding Judaism, and to Judaism as a people and civilization. The author approaches the subject through a historical lens, looking at past developments and scholars that have shaped Judaism into being what it is today. It covers certain essential religious practices, but there isn’t a strong theological tone to the book.
The author struck me as having preference for the liberal orientations of Judaism, or even the kabbalistic orientations. He also seems to have sympathy for the existence of Israel as a haven for Jews, but he didn’t express a highly Zionistic orientation (and there’s no discussion of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict). He takes a scholarly position and is more than willing to be self-critical of Judaism when traditional views clash with scholarly opinions. What I found most interesting was his explanations of Jewish history in parallel with Christian history and even a little of Islamic history, or more specifically his own view on it. He takes a solely Ashkenazic/white European view of Jewry, and his position is rather biased to one viewpoint on history predominating.
I would not recommend to this book if you know little or nothing about Judaism going in. It covers topics that would be peripheral if you just want to know the basics. It’s also written for at least a college reading level—this is definitely not a simple, straightforward read. But for the scholar, it will be a useful addition, with some nice charts and graphics and an overview of the constructions of Jewish civilization and important scholars.
The author struck me as having preference for the liberal orientations of Judaism, or even the kabbalistic orientations. He also seems to have sympathy for the existence of Israel as a haven for Jews, but he didn’t express a highly Zionistic orientation (and there’s no discussion of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict). He takes a scholarly position and is more than willing to be self-critical of Judaism when traditional views clash with scholarly opinions. What I found most interesting was his explanations of Jewish history in parallel with Christian history and even a little of Islamic history, or more specifically his own view on it. He takes a solely Ashkenazic/white European view of Jewry, and his position is rather biased to one viewpoint on history predominating.
I would not recommend to this book if you know little or nothing about Judaism going in. It covers topics that would be peripheral if you just want to know the basics. It’s also written for at least a college reading level—this is definitely not a simple, straightforward read. But for the scholar, it will be a useful addition, with some nice charts and graphics and an overview of the constructions of Jewish civilization and important scholars.
March 8, 2025
Title: Judaism: A Very Short Introduction
Author: Norman Solomon
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Language: English
Pages: 176
Published: 2014
First Published: 1996
Isbn: 978–0–19–151108–0
Format: Ebook
Read and Review: 2025
Stars: ⭐⭐⭐ (3)
Judaism: A Very Short Introduction by Norman Solomon is an overview of Judaism and Jewish tradition and history.
The book briefly introduces the reader to various aspects of Judaism, including its history, identity, and traditions. It covers topics such as the discrimination Jews have faced, including being considered an inferior race and being forced to live in ghettos and poor conditions. It also explores the origins of Judaism, how Jews identify themselves, notable Jewish figures throughout history, the Jewish calendar and festivals, traditional foods, what defines a Jewish home, the Israel-Palestine conflict, daily spiritual practices, different branches of Judaism, and its role in everyday life.
The book covers many different aspects of Judaism, as I listed above. However, after finishing it, I was left with the feeling that something was missing or that I didn’t quite get a "final closure" on what Judaism truly is. Perhaps, as the book itself suggests, Judaism is difficult to define, and this might be the case for many other religions as well. A good introduction nonetheless.
Author: Norman Solomon
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Language: English
Pages: 176
Published: 2014
First Published: 1996
Isbn: 978–0–19–151108–0
Format: Ebook
Read and Review: 2025
Stars: ⭐⭐⭐ (3)
Judaism: A Very Short Introduction by Norman Solomon is an overview of Judaism and Jewish tradition and history.
The book briefly introduces the reader to various aspects of Judaism, including its history, identity, and traditions. It covers topics such as the discrimination Jews have faced, including being considered an inferior race and being forced to live in ghettos and poor conditions. It also explores the origins of Judaism, how Jews identify themselves, notable Jewish figures throughout history, the Jewish calendar and festivals, traditional foods, what defines a Jewish home, the Israel-Palestine conflict, daily spiritual practices, different branches of Judaism, and its role in everyday life.
The book covers many different aspects of Judaism, as I listed above. However, after finishing it, I was left with the feeling that something was missing or that I didn’t quite get a "final closure" on what Judaism truly is. Perhaps, as the book itself suggests, Judaism is difficult to define, and this might be the case for many other religions as well. A good introduction nonetheless.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 14, 2025
I enjoyed Hegel: A Very Short Introduction so much that I thought I would explore the series further. When I did a search for The Apocryphal Gospels: A Very Short Introduction in my library catalog, that book did not appear, but this book on Judaism did. This book suffered by comparison to the Hegel book. Like many other reviewers I thought the book got better in the second half. The last two chapters about contemporary Judaism were the best part for me. I was disappointed in the descriptions of the various "denominations" of Judaism and I came away still feeling like I didn’t have a particularly good understanding of the differences between them. I did appreciate the two appendices: The Thirteen Principles of [Jewish] faith as enumerated by Moses Maimonides and The 'Philadelphia Platform' of Reform Judaism. Though the book itself was something of a disappointment it contained valuable resources for further study as well as a wise warning for those researching on the internet: beware of fundamentalists and special interests!
December 27, 2022
Some books on topics like this one want to give a summary of who they are and what they believe, others take the approach of telling you who they are not and what they do not believe. For Solomon, he wants this book to be clear that Judaism is not Christianity. There is almost a desire to break that popular Judeo-Christian monicker that has been popular for sometime. In the vein of Tertullian, Solomon asks the question, what does Christianity have to do with Judaism? Not much. Christianity is seen as a heretical offshoot of Judaism, one that has left the historical and traditional faith of the Jews.
That being established, the actual beliefs of Judaism are summarized, the traditions and festivals are explained, and the current structure of the faith are outlined. There were many little things I found interesting in this short work, like the apprehension of the Jews to called the Hebrew Scriptures the Old Testament because of the implication of a New Testament, which they reject. Also the differences between the major sects of Jews, what their beliefs are, and how they interact (if at all) with other Jews and their traditions.
That being established, the actual beliefs of Judaism are summarized, the traditions and festivals are explained, and the current structure of the faith are outlined. There were many little things I found interesting in this short work, like the apprehension of the Jews to called the Hebrew Scriptures the Old Testament because of the implication of a New Testament, which they reject. Also the differences between the major sects of Jews, what their beliefs are, and how they interact (if at all) with other Jews and their traditions.
August 9, 2018
Great read
I really enjoyed this brief introduction to Judaism, as it remains much of a mystery to many, but I had to disagree with his blaming the Holocaust on Christians. Christians didn’t get along with jews because of religion. Nazis hates Jews because of race. There is a big difference. This racism predated Christianity. I feel that the only reason I’m reading this book or concerned with Judaism at all is because of Christianity. In a very direct way, I feel that if there had been no Jesus there would be no Israel today, and the Jews would’ve lost their distinctiveness that sets them apart as a people. At the same time I recognize the great contributions made by Jews, including Jesus, to my own beliefs as a Christian. In essence, the Jews and Christians very existence is due in part to the turbulent relationship they have with each other. I hope the divide can be abridged but I think an appreciation of one another is a good start, so the wounds of the past can be healed.
I really enjoyed this brief introduction to Judaism, as it remains much of a mystery to many, but I had to disagree with his blaming the Holocaust on Christians. Christians didn’t get along with jews because of religion. Nazis hates Jews because of race. There is a big difference. This racism predated Christianity. I feel that the only reason I’m reading this book or concerned with Judaism at all is because of Christianity. In a very direct way, I feel that if there had been no Jesus there would be no Israel today, and the Jews would’ve lost their distinctiveness that sets them apart as a people. At the same time I recognize the great contributions made by Jews, including Jesus, to my own beliefs as a Christian. In essence, the Jews and Christians very existence is due in part to the turbulent relationship they have with each other. I hope the divide can be abridged but I think an appreciation of one another is a good start, so the wounds of the past can be healed.
September 11, 2022
My favorite book of all time? No.
A pretty decent intro to Judaism? Yeah.
Anything I couldn't have gotten from watching a Youtube video? No probably not.
Chapter 3 was kinda hard to slog through and this would have been an even shorter introduction to Judaism without it - could have just focused on actually teaching WHAT rabbinic wisdom is and then giving a list of Jewish figures that were important in rabbinic wisdom, with maybe like a 2 sentence blurb about each. Just saying.
A lost of my classmates said they got "super homophobic vibes" while reading this but I, who does look out for stuff like that, didn't really see that other than the places where he is LITERALLY talking about how certain branches of Judaism have an issue with same sex marriage - so do with that what you will.
This book was also written in 2014 so add that into your consideration of things missing or attitudes perceived. Would be SUPER interesting to do an update in light of The Trump presidency and the wave of public Anti-semitism/neo-Nazis that came from that.
A pretty decent intro to Judaism? Yeah.
Anything I couldn't have gotten from watching a Youtube video? No probably not.
Chapter 3 was kinda hard to slog through and this would have been an even shorter introduction to Judaism without it - could have just focused on actually teaching WHAT rabbinic wisdom is and then giving a list of Jewish figures that were important in rabbinic wisdom, with maybe like a 2 sentence blurb about each. Just saying.
A lost of my classmates said they got "super homophobic vibes" while reading this but I, who does look out for stuff like that, didn't really see that other than the places where he is LITERALLY talking about how certain branches of Judaism have an issue with same sex marriage - so do with that what you will.
This book was also written in 2014 so add that into your consideration of things missing or attitudes perceived. Would be SUPER interesting to do an update in light of The Trump presidency and the wave of public Anti-semitism/neo-Nazis that came from that.
March 1, 2019
Norman Solomon, in his consice introduction to Judaism does a disservice to Jewish history. The book is ashkenormative for one. In many ways, Sephardic Jewry is ignored despite a unique experience, living in the Middle East with distinct traditions birthed from these experiences. Save for a mention, Sephardic history is mentioned a mere few times by name. One of the biggest exclusions was Yosef Karo who codified Jewish law in Safed- and accepted by Ashkenazic and Sephardic Jewry.
When it comes to Zionism, Solomon misses the chance to talk about the Jewish militias in Palestine- and instead talks of the movement in Europe.
Additionally, Judaism is often regarded in the book through the lenses of Christianity, as a rival of it- with no mention of Islam. This is foreign to an insider.
Solomon does however break down complex issues of Halacha in short paragraphs in a way that allows the reader to come away with a much greater understanding.
When it comes to Zionism, Solomon misses the chance to talk about the Jewish militias in Palestine- and instead talks of the movement in Europe.
Additionally, Judaism is often regarded in the book through the lenses of Christianity, as a rival of it- with no mention of Islam. This is foreign to an insider.
Solomon does however break down complex issues of Halacha in short paragraphs in a way that allows the reader to come away with a much greater understanding.
Read
July 22, 2023There are subjects-- like Judaism-- in which a "Very Short Introduction" volume does injustice due to its assigned brevity. Solomon, coming from a Modern Orthodox position, does his darndest to succinctly outline the festivals, rituals, and general, but always contested, beliefs in Judaism. But major figures (Akiva!) and controversies (Haredim in Israel!), important trends past and present (the rise in Chanukah), are absent while lesser figures and theme receive attention. The chapter on contemporary Jewish bioethics tells us nothing distinctly about the religion: Christians and Muslims argue similarly about the same topics. Thus, one comes away with a picture of Judaism that is quite close to the real thing: developing, discursive, inchoate, traditional but always finding innovative expression from the classical sources and the reasoning soul; divided by all in agreement that they are Jews.
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