1,401 Questions & Answers About Judaism

by Gross, David C.

• ISBN13: 9780781809931
• ISBN10: 0781809932
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2003-07-01
• Publisher: Hippocrene Books

Summary

Now in its fifth edition, this popular reference includes 100 new questions that address today's controversial issues. What is the Jewish attitude towards stem cell research? Are same-sex unions permitted within Judaism? David Gross draws on traditional Jewish law to answer these questions and many others. This collection presents a wealth of information about the Jewish religion and its cultural traditions. Its chapters are arranged by topics, such as Family Life, the Synagogue, Holidays and festivals, and Israel. This is essential reading for all Jews and for non-Jews seeking to learn more about this faith and its traditions.

Table of Contents

Preface to the Revised Edition	ix
Preface	xi
Author's Note	xv
Chapter 1 Judaism: Basic Beliefs	1	(18)
"The Torah can be interpreted in forty nine different ways, God told Moses. Decide according to the majority." -Talmud
Chapter 2 Personal Life	19	(12)
"You shall be holy unto me." -Exodus
Chapter 3 Family Life	31	(20)
"The object of the whole Torah is that man shall become a Torah himself." -Baal Shem Tov
Chapter 4 The Synagogue	51	(16)
"If only two Jews remained in the world, one would summon the other to the synagogue--and the latter would go there." -Yiddish folk saying
Chapter 5 Holidays and Festivals	67	(46)
"The Sabbaths are for rest, and the festivals for joy...." -Maimonides
Chapter 6 Customs and Ceremonies	113	(18)
"What nation on earth has customs as strange as ours? Our poor demand alms ... and our benefactors invite paupers to their table."-Mendele Mocher Seforim
Chapter 7 The Sabbath	131	(16)
"The Sabbath is a mirror of the world to come."-Zohar
Chapter 8 Israel	147	(20)
"The air of the Land of Israel makes one wise." -Talmud
Chapter 9 Jewish History	167	(56)
"A nation which has witnessed the rise and decay of the most ancient empires, and which still continues to hold its place in the present day, deserves the closest attention." -Heinrich Graetz
Chapter 14 Who? What? Where? When? Why?	223	(50)
"Inquiry is man's finest quality." --Solomon Ibn Gabirol
100 Additional Questions and Answers for the 1990s	273	(28)
100 New Questions and Answers about Judaism	301	(26)
100 New Questions and Answers about Famous and Notable People	327	(22)
100 New Questions and Answers for the 21st Century	349	(20)
Suggested List of Readings	369	(4)
Glossary	373	(4)
Index	377	(18)
Index to Famous and Notable People	395