el Abrahams (b. London, November 26, 1858; d.

Cambridge, October 6, 1925) was on

e of the most distinguished Jewish scholars of his generation. (Wikipedia.)
Mr. Abrahams writes clearly and informatively about Judaism. He cites prominent
Rabbis to explain the Jewish traditions and Laws that define Judaism.
Judaism has many laws both written and derived from custom; how is an outsider t
o
know what it all means?
"Rabbi Simlai (third century), has this remarkable saying: ' Six hundred and thi
rteen precepts were imparted unto Moses, three hundred and sixty-five negative (
in correspondence with the days of the solar year), and two hundred and forty-ei
ght positive ( in correspondence with the number of a man's limbs). David came a
nd established them as eleven ..."
Did you know that Christians celebrated Passover for four centuries. (Why not, i
f
thier "Boss" was a Jewish carpenter?)
He gives insight into the culture that created "The Bible" revered by Jews, Chri
stians, and Muslims.
He points out that there is no 'one cannon' for Judaism. Rabbis study and debate
the meaning of the bible continously.
"Pharisees and Saducees differed on questions of doctive (such as the belief in
immortality held by the former and rejected by the latter),"
He cites Philo's "five most beautiful lessons"
The Karaite Judah Hadassi of Constantinople who "formulates ten dogmas of Judais
m".
Maimondides thirteen fundamental principles.
The five principles from the 1896 Central Conference of the Americna Rabbis.
N. S.Read more
1 Comment Was this review helpful to you?
Yes
No
7 of 8 people found the following review helpful
A little bland
By Danielle on January 9, 2011
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
This is not for recreational reading, but it was a short read. The author did ci
te many sources in his writing, but I found it a little hard to follow, because
I have no background or study in Judaism.
Comment Was this review helpful to you?
Yes
No
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
A technical overview
By Jim D. on August 23, 2013
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
I read this book to get a general idea on how Judaism differed/compared to Chris
tianity. It did answer many basic questions, but also drifted into what I consid
er technical theology and quotes from numerous historic Jewish leaders to suppor
t recent views. Perhaps this is too technical for the casually interested indivi

dual and too brief for those comfortable with the philosophic history.
Comment Was this review helpful to you?
Yes
No
4 of 5 people found the following review helpful
It's an ok book, doesn't really explain a whole lot about Judaism.
By sasha m on April 7, 2014
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
This is a hard book to read/understand if you're not Jewish. I was hoping to lea
rn more about Judaism from an outsiders point of view, but it seems to be writte
n for someone who's already in the "in".
1 Comment Was this review helpful to you?
Yes
No
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
excellent work!
By James S. Kaplan on July 26, 2013
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
For one interested in Jewish religion or politics, whether Jew or gentile, Abrah
ams distills the essences of old and modern in a relatable and easy read without
disturbing other religions. Quite contemporary too given it was published in 19
07.
Comment Was this review helpful to you?
Yes
No
A useful read.
By Psalm 101:5 on January 7, 2014
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
anyone interested in the philosophy behind Judaism will like this book. thought
provoking as it clarifies many issues about the world's first religion.
Comment Was this review helpful to you?
Yes
No
Learning is incredible and knowledge grand. Share.
By caroline on November 30, 2013
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
I got this to learn and be knowledgeable about others. As much as we think we ar
e different and are so much more all the same. Everyone should be familiar with
each other and believe we all came from somewhere,someone,something. Thank you f
or sharing this book with me.
Comment Was this review helpful to you?
Yes
No
Judaism
By Michael G. Walz on August 18, 2013
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
As I do not read Hebrew these translations are the best. My interest is in the h
istory in the writings from the Torah etc. Excellent.
Comment Was this review helpful to you?
Yes
No
See all 33 customer reviews (newes