Made me Want to Beat My Head Against the Wall

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I am using this book in an Intro to Judaism class, so have a certain amount of required reading in it each week, as well as in several other books on the topic of Judaism. Every time I have to pick this one up, I groan. This has to be the worst written book ever. You can read three pages to find out what he could have said in three sentences. The author REALLY likes to hear himself talk. Boring, boring, boring, boring. The only reason I didn't give it no stars is because if you can FORCE yourself to keep going, you do eventually get some useful info, but only after the author beats the point to death, revives it, and beats it some more....

not very good...

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i could only read half an hour of this. ive read over a dozen guides in this vien. dont waste your money.

Solid Introduction to a Fascinating Faith

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For those looking for an in-depth analysis of one of the world's oldest religions, you're in the wrong place. But for anyone looking to gain a basic understanding of the tenets of Judaism would be unlikely to do better than this work.

Rabbi Steinberg lays out who the Jews are, what Judaism is, and some of the various interpretations of the faith using clear, concise language and a well-laid out chapter structure that walks the reader through the history and conceptions of Judaism as it has grown over the centuries. Although the book does not go into great depth in any one topic, the scope of the book gives the reader a fascinating perspective on an often misunderstood religion.

A reader who knows little of Judaism may or may not finish this book with a new respect for Judaism, but it will certainly ensure that the reader leaves it with a much greater understanding of it. Required reading for any hoping to gain some understanding of a the great religion that begat Christianity and Islam.

This Book Brought Me Home

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Steinberg addresses all of my concerns and confusion, one by one, and I am grateful. I was confused about what We actually believe and aspire to, and I now know that my birth religion is all that and a bag of chips, thanks to this short, well-written work.

Lucid and clear

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This book was recommeded to me as a great place to begin my study of Judaism. The late Rabbi Steinberg very adeptly explains the guiding tenets of this great religion. I found section IV on G-d, to be particularly enjoyable. Anyone beginning a study of Judaism should read this book first.