Encyclopedia of Jewish concepts

Tue purpose of this book is to provide in a single handy volume the
essential teachings of Judaism. It is written for those who want an
up-to-date and easily intelligible account of basic Jewish concepts, a
knowledge of which brings meaning to what may otherwise seem
empty phrases. At the present time when we are confronted with
widespread indifference, we have great need of a spirituality based
upon genuine knowledge of our heritage.The need for some guiding principles or standards for Jews of this
generation is being enunciated in every direction. Knowledge of Jew-
ish values has reached an abysmally low point. It is of the utmost
importance that the Jewish heritage be looked upon as a whole, not
as a mere series of precepts and concepts linked together. Its study
must not be the prerogative of specialists, but should be shared by
the multitudes. The present volume has been prepared in a manner
that old and young alike will find easily what they seek to know about
each book of the Hebrew Bible, about the contents of the talmudic-
midrashic literature, about the Jewish codes of law and ethics, and in
general about all the wisdom literature in Judaism.