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Introduction to Judaism

By: Shai Cherry, The Great Courses
Narrated by: Shai Cherry
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Summary

As a religion, culture, and civilization, Judaism has evolved in surprising ways during its long and remarkable history. In this series of 24 lectures, Professor Cherry explores this rich religious heritage from biblical times to today.

The many topics you will learn about include: the oral Torah (the Mishnah) and its commentary (the Gemarahow), which constitute the Talmud; the three pillars of the world defined more than 2,000 years ago by Shimon the Righteous: Torah, worship, and deeds of loving kindness; the calendar of Jewish holidays, from the most important, the Sabbath, to the key holidays of Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Passover, and Pentecost (Shavuot); and to historically minor celebrations such as Chanukah, which is now a more visible holiday; and the many mysteries of Jewish thought and ritual, such as why the first day of the seventh month (Tishrei) is the Jewish New Year (Rosh Hashanah). In addition, Professor Cherry devotes several lectures to complex issues such as the problem of evil and suffering, the Zionist movement, the role and status of women in the Jewish world, and how Judaism understands Christianity.

From the first lecture on the Torah to the last on the Jews as the Chosen People, this course is packed with truly fascinating information.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2004 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2004 The Great Courses
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Interesting

Worth listening to. A good intro to Judaism. Clear, balanced, interesting. Professor Cherry did a good job with this.

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Introduction to Judaism - a review by I Waine

Clear, practical and mostly non partisan introduction to Judaism, especially to one who had no idea. Will be a book that I reread, I suspect, many times.

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Excellent summary of Judaism

I really enjoyed and benefited from this excellent series of lectures. Judaism is explained from a variety of perspectives and from its historical background up to the present day. Although I have some previous understanding of the subject ( a degree in theology studied very many years ago) this lecture series reminded me of much of what I’d forgotten and also ideas and interpretations I’d never known. I think anyone with an interest in this subject would find these lectures helpful, regardless of whether the individual has any prior knowledge.

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very good

Speaking as a non jew who has listened to many of the great course lectures on religion, this is one of my favourite.

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A very good introduction into the subject manner

This book certainly was able to provide a good overview of the subject matter. The history of Judaism was given in adequate detail and the narrator gave a great insight into the traditions and practices of the religion. Whilst it wasn’t a light book to listen to, it is certainly enough to get your teeth into.

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Very interesting course

The author of the course gives a thorough introduction to Judaism and covers many topics which are interesting to both Jews and non Jews. Highly recommended.

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Good to learn about Judaism

This course was very interesting. It covers all the basics of Judaism, although it doesn’t talk about how Judaism actually started, nor about any of the prophets. It focuses mostly on how Judaism evolved in the last millennium.

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disappointing

Not what I was hoping for. Taught at a frenetic pace with multiple threads all at once. I found it extremely hard to follow. I wish he could have slowed down and tried to simplify the story.

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