Judaism

“Many excellent books have introduced Judaism to a wide range of audiences. Amid these riches, Tzvi Novick’s riveting and deeply informed work stands out for its focus and distinctive approach… . I am aware of no book that accomplishes as much for a Christian audience in relatively compressed space. Ideal for classroom use, in either an undergraduate or seminary setting, this book deserves a large audience.”
–David H. Jensen, Review of Biblical Literature

“Novick’s truly excellent volume models how Christians and Jews can pursue faithfulness to their own traditions in ways that avoid the vilifications of the past, demonstrate lines of discontinuity and continuity, are mutually illuminating, and support the other’s distinctive religious quest. Holy envy, indeed.”
–Irish Theological Quarterly

“This book is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to learn about the fundamentals of Judaism, particularly Christians. It would make an excellent book study for a congregation that wants to grow in its interfaith sensitivity and relationships. Even better, it could be the starting point for a Jewish-¬Christian discussion group, where people meet face-to-face to learn about one another from one another, compare best to best, and perhaps walk away with a bit of holy envy.”
–The Christian Century

“All Christians would learn a great deal from this accessible book. Novick’s explanations are clear and thorough, making the book useful to any reader, Christian or otherwise, seeking a richer understanding of Judaism… . Highly recommended.”
–CHOICE

“Novick provides a new paradigm for teaching Christians about Judaism. Traversing both the shared heritage between Jews and Christians and the distinctive elements of the Jewish tradition, this book is an invaluable resource both inside and outside the classroom.”
–Daniel Joslyn-Siemiatkoski, director of the Center for Christian-Jewish Learning, Boston College

“Tzvi Novick has produced an engaging account of Judaism, designed for a Christian audience, particularly Roman Catholics, but of interest to all. Novick guides the reader through three thousand years of Jewish history, explaining key practices and beliefs, identifying similarities of and differences between Christianity and Judaism. The book is commendable for its clarity and accessibility. It includes a brief bibliography at the end of each chapter enabling further reflection. I recommend this book to all those who wish to learn more about Judaism and the key concerns of Jews today.”
–Ed Kessler, founder president of the Woolf Institute (UK), chair of the advisory board overseeing the unification of Reform and Liberal Judaism

“This is an insightful, comprehensive and simpatico presentation of Judaism from which both Christians and Jews will benefit. The author writes from a modern Orthodox perspective but often presents the range of denominational views respectfully. This book combines meaningful instruction on Jewish religion with a remarkable parallel presentation of Christian conceptions of Judaism in historic context. Thus what has been called ‘the teaching of contempt’ tradition in Christianity is presented without anger or ‘guilting.’ This allows Christians of good will and Jews who want a better future for Jewish Christian relations to leave hostility and misrepresentation behind–a signal achievement. This book will be most useful to Christians of deep faith who seek to continue on the path of healing between Jesus’s family and the faith in which he grew and their covenant faith which brought the Gospel to the farthest reaches of the earth.”
–Irving Greenberg, president of the J. J. Greenberg Institute for the Advancement of Jewish Life, senior scholar in residence at the Hadar Institute, author of For the Sake of Heaven and Earth: The New Encounter of Judaism and Christianity

“In this book, Tzvi Novick provides an amazingly comprehensive and accessible introduction to the Jewish people’s history, texts, traditions, and practices. Written with a Christian audience in mind and drawing on his classroom experience, he constantly offers comparisons and contrasts to Christianity with great insight, knowledge, and sensitivity. Indeed, readers of any or no religious background, including Jews, will benefit from this book’s judicious and nuanced presentation of Judaism and its theological and historical relationship with Christianity.”
–Philip A. Cunningham, director of the Institute for Jewish-Catholic Relations, Saint Joseph’s University

“Novick has authored a most welcome and highly readable guide for understanding the richness and diversity of Jewish religious thought and practice. Well researched and written by a modern Orthodox Jew, this is a valuable read for both Jews and Christians. One of Novick’s strengths is the ability to give the reader a feel for the inner spirit of Judaism and its practices. This volume may be used effectively as a classroom text or as a helpful companion to an interfaith dialogue group. This illuminating, well-balanced text offers a fresh set of Jewish eyes to explore the theological story of Judaism. I highly recommend this book.”
–Marvin R. Wilson, emeritus professor of biblical and theological studies, Gordon College

“Novick’s Judaism is a succinct and yet comprehensive account of Judaism for the general Christian reader. The key elements of Jewish/Christian relations as well as Jewish thought and practice are covered with frankness and generosity. This is an excellent volume for study and reflection whether in the college or seminary classroom or the priest or pastor’s office. I commend it with enthusiasm.”
–John E. Phelan Jr., emeritus president and dean, North Park Theological Seminary

Tzvi Novick is the Abrams Jewish Thought and Culture Professor of Theology at the University of Notre Dame. His publications include An Introduction to the Scriptures of Israel: History and Theology and Piyyut and Midrash: Form, Genre, and History.

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