Wildstein - Idiots Guides: Judaism

No one likes a know-it-all. Most of us realize theres no such thinghow could there be? The world is far too complicated for someone to understand everything there is to know. So when you come across a know-it-all, you smile to yourself as they ramble on because you know better.

You understand that the quest for knowledge is a never-ending one, and youre okay with that. You have no desire to know everything, just the next thing. You know what you dont know, youre confident enough to admit it, and youre motivated to do something about it.

At Idiots Guides, we, too, know what we dont know, and we make it our business to find out. We find really smart people who are experts in their fields and then we roll up our sleeves and get to work, asking lots of questions and thinking long and hard about how best to pass along their knowledge to you in the easiest, most-accessible way possible.

After all, thats our promiseto make whatever you want to learn As Easy as It Gets. That means giving you a well-organized design that seamlessly and effortlessly guides you from page to page, topic to topic. It means controlling the pace youre asked to absorb new informationnot too much at once but just what you need to know right now. It means giving you a clear progression from easy to more difficult. It means giving you more instructional steps wherever necessary to really explain the details. And it means giving you fewer words and more illustrations wherever its better to show rather than tell.

So here you are, at the start of something new. The next chapter in your quest. It can be an intimidating place to be, but youve been here before and so have we. Clear your mind and turn the page. By the end of this book, you wont be a know-it-all, but your world will be a little less complicated than it was before. And well be sure your journey is as easy as it gets.

Mike Sanders
Publisher, Idiots Guides

ALPHA BOOKS

Published by Penguin Random House LLC

Penguin Random House LLC, 375 Hudson Street, New York, New York 10014, USA Penguin Random House LLC (Canada), 90 Eglinton Avenue East, Suite 700, Toronto, Ontario M4P 2Y3, Canada (a division of Pearson Penguin Canada Inc.) Penguin Books Ltd., 80 Strand, London WC2R 0RL, England Penguin Ireland, 25 St. Stephens Green, Dublin 2, Ireland (a division of Penguin Books Ltd.) Penguin Random House LLC (Australia), 250 Camberwell Road, Camberwell, Victoria 3124, Australia (a division of Pearson Australia Group Pty. Ltd.) Penguin Books India Pvt. Ltd., 11 Community Centre, Panchsheel Park, New Delhi110 017, India Penguin Random House LLC (NZ), 67 Apollo Drive, Rosedale, North Shore, Auckland 1311, New Zealand (a division of Pearson New Zealand Ltd.) Penguin Books (South Africa) (Pty.) Ltd., 24 Sturdee Avenue, Rosebank, Johannesburg 2196, South Africa Penguin Books Ltd., Registered Offices: 80 Strand, London WC2R 0RL, England

Copyright 2015 by Penguin Random House LLC

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the authors rights. Purchase only authorized editions. No patent liability is assumed with respect to the use of the information contained herein. Although every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this book, the publisher and author assume no responsibility for errors or omissions. Neither is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of information contained herein. For information, address Alpha Books, 6081 E. 82nd Street, Indianapolis, IN 46250.

IDIOTS GUIDES and Design are trademarks of Penguin Random House LLC

eISBN: 9781615647828
Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 2014957362

17 16 15 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Interpretation of the printing code: The rightmost number of the first series of numbers is the year of the books printing; the rightmost number of the second series of numbers is the number of the books printing. For example, a printing code of 15-1 shows that the first printing occurred in 2015.

Printed in the United States of America

Note: This publication contains the opinions and ideas of its author. It is intended to provide helpful and informative material on the subject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding that the author and publisher are not engaged in rendering professional services in the book. If the reader requires personal assistance or advice, a competent professional should be consulted. The author and publisher specifically disclaim any responsibility for any liability, loss, or risk, personal or otherwise, which is incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, of the use and application of any of the contents of this book.

Most Alpha books are available at special quantity discounts for bulk purchases for sales promotions, premiums, fund-raising, or educational use. Special books, or book excerpts, can also be created to fit specific needs. For details, write: Special Markets, Alpha Books, 375 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10014.

Publisher:Mike Sanders

Associate Publisher:Billy Fields

Acquisitions Editor:Janette Lynn

Development Editor:John Etchison

Cover Designer:Laura Merriman

Book Designer:William Thomas

Indexer:Brad Herriman

Layout:Ayanna Lacey

Proofreader:Tricia Liebig

PRODUCTION, LONDON

Digital Producer:Alex Valizadeh

Senior Digital Producer:Miguel Cunha

DIGITAL OPERATIONS, DELHI

Head of Digital Operations:Manjari Hooda

Producer:Rahul Kumar

Assistant Editor:Etika Kapil

DTP Designer:Manish Bhatt

Operations Assistant:Tauhid Nasir

Introduction

Judaism is both an ancient tradition and a dynamic modern religion. Its ancient in that it was the first to adhere to monotheism, nearly 3,500 years ago. Its modern in that it still thrives today in many forms, with exciting and interesting religious, cultural, and ethnic elements to discover.

By opening this book, youre about to embark on a journey of discovery of this beautiful tradition. The Jewish story is one of triumph and tragedy, spirituality and practicality, experience and eternality, and seriousness and enjoyment. Its rich with meaning, and simply fascinating to learn.

There are many possible reasons youve picked up this book. You might be interested in renewing your heritage as a Jew, reconnecting to the tradition. You might have heard about this amazing people and religion called Jews and Judaism, and want to understand more about them. You might want to learn more about the religion of the person with whom youre falling in love. You might be wondering if Judaism is right for you. You might simply have an interest in learning this wonderful tradition.