This beautifully illustrated book is an excellent
introduction to the rich and influential story of the
Jewish people. It contains a timeline from the ancient
Hebrews of 2000BC through to the medieval period.
The opening section covers the biblical account of how
Abraham and his descendants formed nomads into 12
Israelite tribes with a belief in one God and a distinct
moral code. The book describes the Exile to Babylon, the
Dispersal and the Diaspora, the rise of Christianity, and
Judaism's relationship with Islam. This in-depth account
will be of special interest to anyone wanting to discover
the history, philosophy and traditions of Judaism.
- A history of the Jewish faith from the time of Abraham
and the 12 tribes through the destruction of the Temple
in Jerusalem to the Diaspora and the Golden Age of Spain
- Presents all the major festivals of the year, such as Yom
Kippur, Purim, Hanukkah and Passover, plus the
observances and traditions of the Shabbat
- 'Lawrence Joffe's history overflows with images and ideas
and amply fulfils its opening declaration: "The tale of
Jewish survival is full of extraordinary drama -- triumphs
followed by ... near extinction."' The Jewish Chronicle
