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The basic vocabulary of Jewish spiritual life, explained with humor, insight and relevance to guide you on a historical and spiritual journey through Judaism.
Judaism itself is a language, a group's way of expressing beliefs, longings, aspirations and dreams. The vocabulary of Jewish life is the framework that Jews use to hand their past down to their children. It is also the vocabulary that people of other faiths need to know to understand Judaism and Jewish life.
In this revised, expanded, highly readable, enlightening and entertaining new edition of "the ultimate Jewish primer," one of the greatest spiritual teachers of our time takes readers—Jews and non-Jews alike—on a historical and spiritual journey through Judaism. Dr. Arthur Green explains the meaning, history and origin of over 150 core Hebrew words that are shared and understood throughout the Jewish world. With humor, insight and relevance, he lays out the basic vocabulary of Jewish communal and religious identity and shows why it is important for people to know and use these words in Hebrew.
"The ultimate Jewish primer from Judaism's greatest scholar of spirituality. This book is a gem."
—Lawrence Kushner, author, I’m God; You’re Not: Observations on
Organized Religion & Other Disguises of the Ego, and other books
“With his unique vision, Arthur Green uses words to transport us into the heart of Jewish thought, history and emotion. The journey will leave your mind tingling and your soul intoxicated with joyful learning.”
—Francine Klagsbrun, author, Jewish Days: A Book of Jewish Life
and Culture Around the Year
“A marvelous mini-encyclopedia of Jewish reli-gious life—concise, clear and remarkably wide-ranging. An absolutely essential book.”
—Barry W. Holtz, associate professor of Jewish education,
The Jewish Theological Seminary; editor, Back to the Sources
“I can’t wait to teach These Are the Words in my congregation. Green’s lucid spiritual vocabulary can help transform how Jews think, speak and act—about what we value most.”
—Rabbi Sheila Peltz Weinberg, Jewish Community of Amherst, Massachusetts