The Jewish Eye
Index - Basic Judaism
Reviews & Book Excerpts
- All About Judaism
Three reference books on one CD - The Encyclopedia of Judaism, The Jewish Primer, and The Dictionary of Jewish Biography.
- Back to the Sources: Reading the Classic Jewish Texts, by edited by Barry W. Holtz.
Essays analyze the major traditional texts of Judaism from literary, historical, philosophical, and religious points of view.
- Biblical Literacy, by Rabbi Joseph Telushkin.
The Most Important People, Events, and Ideas of the Hebrew Bible.
- The Book of Psalms in Plain English
, by Aaron Lichtenstein.
The Book of Psalms in Plain English, presents the Book of Psalms in a clear and readable English translation, translated by a scholar of Judaism and professor of English.
- Can I Play Chess on Shabbas?, by Joe Bobker.
The Do's and Don'ts of Shabbas, Made Simple! Written in a question and answer format, this book provides an edifying and fun-to-read overview of the law and lore of Shabbas.
- The Complete Idiot's Guide to Jewish History and Culture, 2nd Edition, by Rabbi Benjamin Blech.
This book provides a lively and unforgettable introduction to Jewish history and culture, starting with Adam and continuing through to the modern age.
- The Complete Idiot's Guide to The Talmud, by Rabbi Aaron Parry.
A comprehensive introduction to the Talmud, including its history, structure, wisdom, and trivia. This book also includes insights into living a Talmudic life and studying the Talmud.
- The Complete Idiot's Guide to Understanding Judaism, 2nd Edition, by Rabbi Benjamin Blech.
A Guided Tour Through the Beliefs, Laws, and Traditions of Judaism.
- Dignity Beyond Death: The Jewish Preparation for Burial, by Rochel U. Berman.
This is a moving, informative, and respectful book that discusses a very sensitive topic - how one should treat a dead body, and how the body is prepared for burial. Also included is a detailed discussion of the time-honored Jewish ritual known as tahara.
- Going Kosher in 30 Days, by Rabbi Zalman Goldstein.
GOING KOSHER IN 30 DAYS teaches the simply curious and those seriously considering going kosher all the whys and hows of kosher.
- From Fasting to Feasting: A Unique Journey Through the Jewish Holidays, by Joe Bobker.
A vibrant, educational, and humourous overview of the Jewish holidays, with insights into how they are celebrated, as well as associated customs, history, and religious significance.
- Gateway to Judaism, by Rabbi Mordechai Becher.
The What, How, and Why of Jewish Life - A concise, and readable introduction to Judaism that covers all facets of Jewish life from keeping the Sabbath to studying Torah.
- The How & Why of Jewish Prayer, by Israel Rubin.
This essential guidebook covers the mechanics (the hows) of Jewish Prayer, and also covers the various laws and customs related to Jewish prayer.
- Jewish Fact Attack, Created by Rabbi Shlomo Schwartz
Six Great Games that Teach Basic Jewish Concepts.
- Jewish Literacy, Revised Edition, by Rabbi Joseph Telushkin.
The Most Important Things to Know About the Jewish Religion, Its People, and Its History. A comprehensive reference book on the essentials and essence of Judaism and Jewish history and culture.
- The Jewish Theory of Everything (Chapter 1), by Max Anteby. (Book Excerpt)
A behind-the-scenes look at the world.
- The Kosher Kitchen: A Practical Guide, by Rabbi Binyomin Forst.
This book presents an authoritative, yet accessible and clear overview of the Halachos of Kashrus that is ideal for laymen and scholars alike. This book will help you to better understand the laws related to keeping Kosher, as well as learning to identify problem situations and how to ask for clarification from your Rav.
- Learning to Read Midrash, by Simi Peters.
Presenting a systematic approach to the study of midrash. The goal of the book is to convey a sensitivity to the language and meanings of the Bible, and to develop an appreciation for the language and teachings of the Jewish sages.
- Lehovin Ulehaskil: A Guide to Torah Hashkofoh, by Rabbi Eliezer Gevirtz.
A project of the Jewish Education Program, this book contains thirty-six questions about the basic tenets Judaism, along with a selection of answers to each.
- Living Jewish (Chapter 28), by Rabbi Berel Wein. (Book Excerpt)
Values, Practices and Traditions.
- Living the Halachic Process: Questions and Answers for the Modern Jew, edited by Rabbi Daniel Mann.
More than 100 questions and answers that were selected from the thousands of queries that have been sent by Jews from different backgrounds and levels of observance throughout the world to the Eretz Hemdah Institute in Jerusalem, Israel.
- My Tzitzis Book, by Elisheva Schreiber.
What are tzitzis? How are they made? Why are they worn? Learn the answers to these questions and more in this innovative book that is geared toward teaching young boys about the mitzvah of wearing tzitzis.
- Nefesh Shimshon: Shabbos Kodesh, by Rav Shimshon Dovid Pincus.
Making the Most of Shabbos: Inspiring Insights into the Meaning and Purpose of Shabbos. An inspirational book based upon the lectures, writings, and example offered by Rav Pincus zt"l.
- Pirkei Avos with a Twist of Humor, by Joe Bobker.
This book takes readers on an insightful and humor-filled journey through the Pirkei Avos (Sayings of Our Sages) that is filled with lots of information about Jewish history, culture, ethics, and law - as well as with a wide assortment of jokes and whimsical musings on Jewish ethics.
- Practical Judaism, by Rabbi Israel Meir Lau.
A gateway to the world of Jewish Law and belief, this book, by the Chief Rabbi of Israel, answers basic questions about Judaism and Jewish life. Topics include the calendar, the prayers, blessings, family life, and more.
- Sages of the Talmud: The Lives, Sayings and Stories of 400 Rabbinic Masters, by Mordechai Judovits.
This is a collection of biographical information about the authors of the Talmud. It contains about four hundred entries and hundreds of anecdotes about the sages, all as recorded in the Talmud itself.
- The Shabbos Companion: Shabbos Day, by Rabbi Abraham J. Twerski.
In this second book in Rabbi Twerski's informative series on Shabbos, Rabbi Twerski interweaves stories, songs, prayers, and customs as he delves into the beauty, significance, and the elements that comprise Shabbos Day.
- The Shabbos Companion: Shabbos Eve, by Rabbi Abraham J. Twerski.
An informative book that interweaves stories, songs, prayers, and customs as it delves into the beauty, significance, and the elements that comprise Shabbos Eve.
- The Tapestry of Jewish Time: A Spiritual Guide to Holidays and Life-Cycle Events, by Rabbi Nina Beth Cardin.
An excerpt from The Tapestry of Jewish Time, which address the celebration of Rosh Hodesh (the new month).
- Teshuvah: A Guide for the Newly Observant Jew, by Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz.
This book is offered to the ba'al teshuva as advice and guidance in dealing with some of the difficulties likely to be encountered along the way.
- That's Life! Torah Wisdom & Wit to Live By, by Rabbi Y. Y. Rubinstein.
Timeless, inspirational, real-life stories that explore three important tenets: A Jew has to believe in the Almighty. He has to believe in the Jewish people. And he has to believe in himself.
- Torah - Chumash Bereishis, with commentaries by Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson.
A new English translation of Chumash Bereishis, according to Rashi, along with commentaries and insights based upon the works and teaching of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson. It is ideal for use by adults new to the study of the Torah.
- Torah Our Treasure, by Etti Goldzand.
How is a Sefer Torah made? What is the role of a sofer stam in writing a Sefer Torah? How is a new Sefer Torah welcomed to its new home? Find out in this innovative book that explains, with poems and stories, how a Sefer Torah is made from the preparation of the parchment to how a Sefer Torah is checked for accuracy.
- Understanding Judaism (Chapter 1), by Rabbi Mordechai Katz. (Book Excerpt)
A basic guide to Jewish faith, history, and practice.
- What is the Jewish View About Reward and Punishment?, by Israel Drazin.
There are many passionate disagreements among the Jewish sages about reward and punishment. This article discusses some of these various viewpoints. (Article)
- Why Be Jewish? Intermarriage, Assimilation, and Alienation, by Rabbi Meir Kahane zt"l.
Many Jews are asking the question, "Why be Jewish?" In this inspiring book, Rabbi Kahane discusses why this question is being asked, and he provides solid, authoritative answers why they should, indeed, 'be Jewish'.
- Why Observe Torah Laws?, by Israel Drazin.
Why Observe Torah Laws? A conversation between a nineteen-year-old young man and a Rabbi provides and edifying answer to the age old question.
- Why We Pray What We Pray, by Rabbi Dr. Barry Freundel.
The Remarkable History of Jewish Prayer - This book details the various factors that influenced six important Jewish prayers and shaped how and when Jews recite them.
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