Judaism: Expert Guides and Resources

Jewish History For Dummies gives you an overview of Jewish history. This handy cheat sheet tells you about Jewish religious movements that developed in the United States, the founders of the Hasidic movement, and the tragic history of the Talmud. Jewish religious movements that developed in the United States The United States became a fertile setting for new Jewish religious movements, which produced a diverse landscape of options for balancing tradition and modernity: Reform Judaism: Reform Judaism, rooted in 19th‑century German immigration, emphasizes flexible ritual, ethics, and integration into American life, with English sermons that have helped it become the largest Jewish denomination.

‍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 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.

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.

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").