Description
Book SynopsisA sweeping history of Judaism over more than three millennia
Judaism has preserved its distinctive identity despite the extraordinarily diverse forms and beliefs it has embodied through the centuries. Martin Goodman provides a comprehensive look at how this great religion came to be, how it has evolved from one age to the next, and how its various strains, sects, and traditions have related to each other. He takes readers from Judaism''s origins in the polytheistic world of antiquity to the many varieties of Judaism today. He explains the institutions and ideas on which all forms of Judaism are based, and masterfully weaves together the different threads of doctrinal and philosophical debate that run throughout its history. A History of Judaism is a spellbinding chronicle of a vibrant religious tradition that has shaped the spiritual heritage of humankind like no other.
Trade Review"A masterpiece."
—Kirkus Reviews"A magisterial work."
—David Tesler, Association of Jewish Libraries"One won't find within a single volume a more comprehensive account of Jewish religious history."
—Steven Weitzman, Moment Magazine"Goodman's scholarship is formidable."
—Daniel Beer, The Guardian"Goodman has done both Jews and non-Jews a great service with this book, encapsulating most of Jewish thought over four millennia in one extraordinarily readable volume."
—Julia Neuberger, Literary Review
