Articles & Books From Judaism

Jewish History For Dummies
Walk your way through Jewish history, life, and culture—from Abraham to today Jewish History For Dummies provides unbiased, factual history of Jewish life, culture, and history. You’ll take a look at the roots of Jewish history, beginning in 2000 B.C.E. with Abraham and his descendants. Chapter by chapter, you’ll trace the evolution of the Jewish people through the biblical record and other sources, learning how King David united Israel, how the Jews were exiled under Babylonian rule, and how Jewish people have adapted to life in the diaspora, from ancient times all the way up to today.
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Judaism All-In-One For Dummies
Know all about Judaism in one place Judaism All-In-One For Dummies is a comprehensive resource on Jewish beliefs, practices, traditions, and sacred texts. This helpful guide offers a deep understanding of the 4,000-year-old faith that continues to provide meaning to millions of people all around the world. This book covers everything from foundational beliefs to Torah study, Hebrew language basics, and traditional Jewish cooking.
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Cheat Sheet / Updated 03-20-2026
‍Judaism All-in-One For Dummies tells you about beliefs, history, and culture of Judaism. This handy Cheat Sheet describes the five books of the Torah. You also find out what a Bar/Bat Mitzvah is, what happens on Shabbat, and kosher menu planning. The five books of the Torah The word Torah (“teaching”) refers to the first five books of the Hebrew Bible.
The Torah For Dummies
An accessible and fascinating exploration of the Torah The Torah For Dummies, 2nd Edition is an easy-to-follow and insightful guide to the first five books of the Hebrew bible: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. This helpful resource walks you through the foundations of Jewish tradition, religion, and theology, explaining Judaism's rich and ancient history and how its interpreted by modern Jews.
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The Talmud For Dummies
Unlock the wisdom, guidance, and spiritual insight of the Talmud The Talmud For Dummies introduces you to the Jewish guidebook on life and overall cornerstone text of Judaism, the Talmud. This easy-to-understand book makes the Talmud's 63 volumes approachable, so you can deepen your understanding of Jewish teachings.
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Article / Updated 10-19-2023
The Jewish people have made tremendous contributions in politics, law, religion, and science. Here are just a few notable Jewish thinkers — names of people you should know for their contributions to society and the modern world. David Ben-Gurion Rightfully known as Israel's founding father, David Ben-Gurion (1886–1973) led Israel's War of Independence in 1948, and then he guided the country as prime minster for the next 15 years.
Article / Updated 09-14-2023
Many non-Jews (as well as Jews who had little connection with their heritage growing up) find Yom Kippur, which literally means “The Day of Atonement,” baffling. The holiday has no Christian equivalent. But even though most Jews can’t explain why Yom Kippur resonates so deeply for them, they’re drawn to Yom Kippur services, even if it’s the only time they wander into a synagogue all year.
Article / Updated 08-31-2023
Rosh Hashanah — the Jewish new year — and Yom Kippur (which follows ten days later) are together called the "High Holidays." They are among the most important and holiest days of the Jewish year. Pavel Losevsky / Adobe StockFor over 2,000 years, the High Holidays have been celebrated as a time for judgment, remembrance, and teshuvah ("return" or "repentance").
Article / Updated 10-18-2022
The Ten Commandments may be the most well-known part of the Torah. Interestingly, two versions of the Ten Commandments exist in the Torah: one in the book of Exodus and one in the book of Dueteronomy. The Ten Commandments according to Jewish tradition also differ from the Ten Commandments of various Christian denominations.
Article / Updated 03-29-2022
Passover is both the most-celebrated Jewish holiday of the year and the holiday voted most likely to elicit a groan. People groan when they consider Passover's dietary requirements. They groan when they think of all the preparations. They even groan when they remember how much they overate during Passover last year.