The New Encyclopedia of Judaism

by Wigoder, Geoffrey

• ISBN13: 9780814793886
• ISBN10: 0814793886
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2002-08-01
• Publisher: New York University Press

Summary

Winner, The New York Public Library, Best of Reference Award, 2002Wonderful reference book.--The Reporter...a good work has been made even better.--Publishers WeeklyRecognizing that Judaism is not just a systematic presentation of beliefs or the codification of abstract theological thought, this volume presents a very intimate portrait of [the Jewish] tradition...accessible and authoritative.--Booklist, starred reviewA work of exceedingly broad scope... of vast but unassuming erudition. The New Encyclopedia of Judaism is balanced, fluent, and laconic. Both old and young, the scholar and the novice, can dip into it. Any library--be it home, school, or organization--will benefit from this sumptuously illustrated volume.--The Jewish PressI am delighted to learn that this volume is back in print. It will make a mountain of valuable information accessible to the average person, and that is a blessing for us all.--Rabbi Harold Kushner, author of When Bad Things Happen to Good PeopleThe expansiveness and broad perspectives of this encyclopedia will lead us to rethink what we mean when we refer to Judaism. Rich in detail, thoughtfully conceived, and authoritative, this encyclopedia will be the standard contemporary reference work.--Jehuda Reinharz, Richard Koret Professor of Modern Jewish History and President, Brandeis UniversityThis thoughtfully conceived, insightful, and authoritative work will serve as the standard one-volume comprehensive Jewish reference work as we enter the new millenium...an essential purchase for all public libraries, synagogue libraries, and special collections of Judaica. Jewish families will also benefit by having this work on hand for household use.--Library Journal, starred review, September 1, 2002Comprehensive coverage of many subjects and its other useful features combine to make this volume one that should be in all Jewish homes.- Jewish JournalThe publication of a new Jewish encyclopedia is an important event that warrants acclaim and celebration.--Jewish AdvocateNew York University Press is proud to announce the return of a valuable resource for both Jewish families and those interested in learning more about the Jewish faith. The New Encyclopedia of Judaism is a comprehensive one-volume encyclopedia that accessibly presents every aspect of the Jewish religion and represents current thinking among scholars in the Reform, Conservative, and Orthodox movements. The original version of the encyclopedia was selected by the American Library Association as an Outstanding Reference Book. This revised and expanded edition updates the original thousand entries and adds nearly 250 new ones. Magnificently illustrated, it also contains a new introduction, a guide for usage, new illustrations, as well as a new annotated bibliography. Its compilation was overseen by the late Geoffrey Wigoder, best known as the Editor-in-chief of the Encyclopedia Judaica.The articles cover a vast spectrum of topics. There are biographical entries on biblical figures, rabbis, and others whose thoughts and actions have influenced the development of Judaism. Also included are dozens of insightful commentaries on specific prayers. Issues of particular contemporary interest are given special attention, as are women's roles, with a separate entry on the feminist movement and new biographical entries on figures ranging from Miriam and Deborah to Blu Greenberg and Suzannah Heschel. Particularly emphasized are the customs and folk traditions of Jewish outposts the world over.Authoritative and accessible, The New Encyclopedia of Judaism fulfills the promise of the first edition and serves as a standard one-volume Jewish reference work for the new millennium. It is an ideal reference for every Jewish household and synagogue library.

Table of Contents

Editorial Staff	vii
Contributors	viii
Preface to the First Edition	xi
The New Encyclopedia of Judaism	xi
How To Use the Encyclopedia	xii
Rules of Transliteration	xii
Abbreviations	xiii
Glossary	xiv
Entries A - Z	17	(811)
Annotated Bibliography	828	(8)
Index	836	(19)
Acknowledgments	855