Understanding Judaism: The Basics of Deed and Creed

(Paperback)

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Judaism is primarily a religion of actions rather than beliefs. When the Jewish people accepted God's covenant, they committed themselves first to obedience and practice, and then to striving to understand the message implicit in the Torah. In Understanding Judaism: The Basics of Deed and Creed, a perfect textbook for independent and classroom study, Rabbi Benjamin Blech presents a comprehensive explication of the Jewish faith. What does it meant to be a Jew How does religion affect the ways in which Jewish people think and act What are the basic concepts of Judaism This volume answers these vital questions.

Reviews

Rabbi Blech's book is one that every Jew should read. Even Jews who are very knowledgeable with regard to their ancestral faith will find in it new insights that deal with aspects of the tradition of which one might have thought that nothing new could besaid. Only a rabbi who is at one and the same time an inspiring spiritual leader of an active congregation of committed Jews, and a master teacher of college students searching for their spiritual roots, could so skillfully combine in his presentation ofJudaism so much that can open the eyes of the latter and deepen the delight of the learned in that which they fathomed only superficially... -- Rabbi Emanuel Rackman
For more than a generation, Yeshiva University's James Striar School has been an acknowledged pioneer in Ba'al Teshuvah (return to Judaism) education. Rabbi Benjamin Blech has been a mainstay of that program and has done yeoman work in illuminating the basic principles and creed of Judaism. This volume, a compilation of his thoughts and teachings, brings his erudition, sensitivity, and insights to those seeking to grow in their appreciation of the truths of the Torah. -- Dr. Norman Lamm
Rabbi Blech's book is one that every Jew should read. Even Jews who are very knowledgeable with regard to their ancestral faith will find in it new insights that deal with aspects of the tradition of which one might have thought that nothing new could be said. Only a rabbi who is at one and the same time an inspiring spiritual leader of an active congregation of committed Jews, and a master teacher of college students searching for their spiritual roots, could so skillfully combine in his presentation of Judaism so much that can open the eyes of the latter and deepen the delight of the learned in that which they fathomed only superficially. -- Rabbi Emanuel Rackman

Author Bio

Rabbi Benjamin Blech holds a masters degree in psychology from Columbia University, and has written nine books on Judaism, including three as part of the highly popular Idiot's Guide series (one of which was cited by Larry King as "a piece of art"). He has taught at Yeshiva University since 1966, and has received the American Educator of the Year award. A tenth-generation rabbi, Blech is a frequent lecturer in Jewish communities around the world. He has appeared on national television (including The Oprah Winfrey Show), and writes regularly for major newspapers and journals. He was recently ranked #16 in a listing of the 50 most influential Jews in America. Born in Zurich, Rabbi Blech lives in Manhattan with his wife Elaine.