The Way Into the Varieties of Jewishness

The Way Into

by Sylvia Barack Fishman

An accessible introduction to the many ways Jews understand Jewishness and identify themselves and their communities―throughout history and today. For everyone who wants to understand the varieties of Jewish identity, its boundaries and inclusions, this book explores the religious and historical understanding of what it has meant to be Jewish from ancient times to the present controversy over “Who is a Jew?” Beginning with the biblical period, it takes readers era by era through Jewish history to reveal who the Jewish community included and excluded, and discusses the fascinating range of historical conflicts that Jews have dealt with internally. It provides an understanding of how the Jewish people and faith developed, and of what the major religious differences are among Jewish movements today.

Genres: Judaica, Religion, History

288 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2006

Reviews

[Joelle]

I really enjoyed the book, but I was disappointed that the author didn't seem to acknowledge anyone would convert outside of a romantic commitment and she also ignored the notion of chosen family as formulated by the LGBT community.

[Tony]

Well written and a thoughtful overview but didn't really go into much depth as to the distinctive approaches that each movement take to halakha.

[Mary Frances]

Read this for class. Very helpful and informative.