The Historical Dictionary of Judaism doesn't just present religious beliefs in a traditional sense, but investigates the complex intermingling of religion, devotion, lifestyle and culture, as it is found in diverse Jewish populations around the world. This book presents Judaism not as a set of simple conventions or external perceptions, but from an interior perspective as beliefs and practices of Jewish people. It continually sets Judaism apart from other dominant religious modes, highlighting differences and continually presenting the framework within which to understand the moorings of one of the world's oldest ways of life. There are numerous useful, unique features that make this Dictionary user-friendly. Hebrew words are often included to further texture the entries, though each is fully explained in English. Historical charts focus on special issues such as Jewish theology, philosophy, and religious law. A bibliography includes an eclectic collection of reference, bibliographical, and primary source works, as well as many recent works. Additional, dedicated bibliographies are included for topics of particular interest such as Jewish Religious Texts, Women in Judaism, Christian-Jewish Relations, and Judaism and the Environment. Copyright (C) Muze Inc. 2005. For personal use only. All rights reserved.