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3.35 AVERAGE
3.35 AVERAGE
challenging
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
Indeed a very short introduction. Still for a moment I thought I should be taking notes. So much history I wasn't aware of. I appreciate the neutral perspective because of that.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Antisemitism, Religious bigotry, Colonisation
Moderate: Genocide, Misogyny, Racial slurs, Xenophobia, Grief, Deportation
Minor: Rape
Before I go to Israel in June, I plan on reading books on that country. I thought this might be a good book to refresh my memory on Judaism. Some of the reviews of this book didn't like the comparison of Judaism to Christianity in the beginning of the book, I liked it. What I like about these Very Short Introductions is that they are meant to encourage further reading, and this book certainly did that. I also learned some things I didn't know.
challenging
informative
reflective
medium-paced
An excellent primer on the history and context behind the modern denominations of Judaism. Everything it says on the tin, and very insightful about the more recent changes in practice and what the legacy of Judaism really is
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
I wanted to read this in time with the High Holidays, and I thought it was a good enough introduction. My biggest concern is that it seems to be exclusively for a Christian audience? In its vocabulary, it's historic touchstones, even its opening quote...it seems a bit off the mark. But as a newcomer to all this information I did find it a good primer. 3.5/5 stars.
Extremely insightful and to the point, would definitely recommend to anyone curious about Judaism; the race and the religion.
informative
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
informative
fast-paced
challenging
informative
medium-paced
While forming a decent introduction to Judaism without wowing me would usually earn four stars, I've removed a star for him constantly referring to the ancient land of Israel/the Holy Land as Palestine, when that was a name created by the Brits about 100 yrs ago. This is a major pet peeves of mine that will always receive criticism.