What Do Jews Believe?: The Spiritual Foundations of Judaism

by David Ariel

Overview

A lively exploration of Jewish ideas and beliefs. "Anyone who seeks to know what Judaism is really all about will be in his debt" (David Wolpe, author of Why Be Jewish?).

In this fresh and lucid study, Ariel presents the fundamentals of Jewish thought on the profound issues of God, human destiny, good and evil, Torah, and messianism, guiding the reader toward a definition of the beliefs that shape Jewish identity. This lively exploration of Jewish ideas and beliefs provides a rationale and stimulus for anyone seeking to understand or reconnect to the rich and diverse spiritual tradition of Judaism.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780805210590
Publisher:	Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group
Publication date:	01/23/1996
Pages:	304
Product dimensions:	5.24(w) x 8.00(h) x 0.67(d)

About the Author

DAVID S. ARIEL was has been president of the Oxford Centre for Hebrew and Jewish Studies since 2008. He also served as president of Siegal College of Jewish Studies (Cleveland, Ohio) for twenty-five years. He has lectured widely on Jewish subjects worldwide. Dr Ariel has written four books including Kabbalah: The Mystic Quest in Judaism and What do Jews Believe? The Spiritual Foundations of Judaism.

Editorial Reviews

"A clear and valuable guide to the convictions and vision of Judaism. Anyone who seeks to know what Judaism is really all about will be in his debt."
—David Wolpe, Why Be Jewish?

"A remarkably rich and useful introduction to millennia of Jewish beliefs."
—Kirkus Reviews

"Brilliantly organizes the major ideas of Judaism. Anyone seeking orientation within the complex world of Jewish thought should begin with this book."
—Susannah Heschel, author of On Being a Jewish Feminist

"A thoughtful, informed, broad-minded overview of the most basic principles of the Jewish religion."
—Robert M. Seltzer, author of Jewish People, Jewish Thought

"Ariel's lucid presentation is a perfect gift to someone rediscovering his or her Jewish roots or someone choosing to be a Jew."
—Hadassah Magazine

From the Publisher

The fundamentals of Jewish thought on the issues of God, human destiny, good and evil, Torah, and messianism are presented for those seeking answers. The reader is guided toward a definition of the beliefs that shape Jewish identity. "The dilemma for many modern Jews is how to relate to a tradition as old as Judaism." Ariel provides profound insights into the subject.

Jewish Book World