The Explorer's Guide to Judaism (World religion series) Book

The Explorer's Guide to Judaism by Rabbi Professor Jonathan Magonet has a slightly rambling introduction, and a rather idiosyncratic structure. The chapters are ordered along the lines of a traditional song which asks "Who knows one?" and proceeds to find a Jewish example for every number through to thirteen. So, Chapter 4 deals with the impact of feminism on Judaism ("Four are the Mothers of Israel"), despite the fact that the concept of rabbinic authority and the celebration of life cycle events, about which feminism has much to say, have still to be discussed. Yet, as Magonet points out, "Traditionally Judaism has been an all-embracing way of life which saw no separation between the spiritual and mundane aspects of our life," so any structure is bound to feel like an imposition. Nevertheless, The Explorer's Guide to Judaism is a pretty thorough guide and a good reference book thanks to its comprehensive index and glossary, detailed historical timeline of Jewish history, and suggestions for further reading at the end of each chapter. Magonet, the Principal of the UK's Progressive rabbinical training college, has much to say about the changing role of the rabbinate and the evolution of Progressive Judaism both in the UK and in Israel, succeeding also in his remit to present Judaism "from the inside".--Zahavit ShalevRead More