The Establishment of the State of Israel by
The State of Israel was born on May 14, 1948, in the city of Tel Aviv, in what was then officially known as Palestine. The new Jewish state was founded 2,000 years after Palestine's Roman conquerors exiled the Jews from the land they had once ruled as the Kingdom of Israel and less than 50 years after Jewish immigrants began returning to their ancient homeland as part of the Zionist movement. Within hours of Israel's establishment, armies of the five neighboring Arab countries had already begun assembling along the new nation's borders. The next morning, Egyptian, Jordanian, Syrian, Iraqi, and Lebanese troops invaded, launching the first in a series of conflicts between Israel and its Arab neighbors. The Establishment of the State of Israel goes in depth to explain how this conflict has affected the history of the region and the Middle East peace process.
Judaism by
The oldest of the world s major faiths, Judaism as practiced today represents a tradition that goes back nearly 6,000 years. Accessible and wide-ranging, Judaism: The Basics is a must-have resource covering the stories, beliefs and expressions of that tradition. Key topics covered include: the Torah Israel the state and its people Passover Reform Judaism, Orthodox Judaism and Zionism the impact of the Holocaust. With a glossary of terms and extensive suggestions for further reading, Judaism: The Basics is an essential guide through the rich intricacies of the Jewish faith and people."
Judaism by
Judaism, Fourth Edition presents the basic beliefs of the Jewish religious heritage and highlights the different manners in which these traditions can be upheld. Both Orthodox Judaism and the religious practices and movements within Reformed Judaism, including Reform Judaism, Conservative Judaism, and Reconstructionist Judaism, are explored in this fascinating edition. Coverage includes: Introduction to the modern Jewish world Early history of the Jews and Judaism, including the Diaspora The restoration to the present The Hebrew Bible The branches of Judaism and their basic beliefs Rites of passage The impact of Judaism throughout history Judaism facing the future.
Approaches to Teaching the Hebrew Bible As Literature in Translation by
Now at seventy-three volumes, this popular MLA series (ISSN 1059-1133) addresses a broad range of literary texts. Each volume surveys teaching aids and critical material and brings together essays that apply a variety of perspectives to teaching the text. Upper-level undergraduate and graduate students, student teachers, education specialists, and teachers in all humanities disciplines will find these volumes particularly helpful.
The Jewish Study Bible by
The Jewish Study Bible is a one-volume resource tailored especially for the needs of students of the Hebrew Bible. Nearly forty scholars worldwide contributed to the translation and interpretation of the Jewish Study Bible, representing the best of Jewish biblical scholarship available today. A committee of highly-respected biblical scholars and rabbis from the Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform Judaism movements produced this modern translation. No knowledge of Hebrew is required for one to make use of this unique volume. The Jewish Study Bible uses The Jewish Publication Society TANAKH Translation. Since its publication, the Jewish Study Bible has become one of the most popular volumes in Oxford's celebrated line of bibles. The quality of scholarship, easy-to-navigate format, and vibrant supplementary features bring the ancient text to life. * Informative essays that address a wide variety of topics relating to Judaism's use and interpretation of the Bible through the ages. * In-text tables, maps, and charts. * Tables of weights and measures. * Verse and chapter differences. * Table of Scriptural Readings. * Glossary of technical terms. * An index to all the study materials. * Full color New Oxford Bible Maps, with index.
The Talmud by
Wherever Jews have settled and whatever languages they spoke, they created a community with a single set of common values. One law, one theology defined the community throughout their many migrations. A single book explains how this came about the Talmud. By re-framing the Torah through sustained argument and analysis, the Talmud encourages the reader to actively apply reason and practice logic. Renowned scholar Jacob Neusner introduces readers to the Talmud, defining it, explaining its historical context, and illustrating why it remains relevant today. Neusner's The Talmud: What It Is and What It Says invites readers to engage with the text, and emphasizes that the Talmud will continue to be an important cultural guidebook for Jewish life through the next millennium."
A History of the Churches in the United States and Canada by
The religious histories of both the USA and Canada contain many dramatic themes. This study of the way the churches faced the movement of peoples into and across a vast continent tells much about their present size and characteristics in both Canada and the United States.
People's History of Christianity by
For too long, the history of Christianity has been told as the triumph of orthodox doctrine imposed through power and hierarchy. In A People's History of Christianity, historian and religion expert Diana Butler Bass reveals an alternate history that includes a deep social ethic and far-reaching inclusivity: "the other side of the story" is not a modern phenomenon, but has always been practiced within the church. Butler Bass persuasively argues that corrective--even subversive--beliefs and practices have always been hallmarks of Christianity and are necessary to nourish communities of faith. In the same spirit as Howard Zinn's groundbreaking work The People's History of the United States, Butler Bass's A People's History of Christianity brings to life the movements, personalities, and spiritual disciplines that have always informed and ignited Christian worship and social activism. A People's History of Christianity authenticates the vital, emerging Christian movements of our time, providing the historical evidence that celebrates these movements as thoroughly Christian and faithful to the mission and message of Jesus.
The Catholic Study Bible by
The Catholic Study Bible was designed for advanced students of the Scriptures by today's top Catholic scholars. A nearly 600-page Reading Guide is linked to the biblical text by means of marginal references to specific pages in the Guide. Other features include: reference articles on key issues of Bible study, a glossary of specialized terms, the complete Sunday and weekday lectionaries, full color New Oxford Bible Maps, and a 70-page, select NAB Concordance.
The Oxford Study Bible by
The Oxford Study Bible is the first one-volume resource that introduces readers to the Bible through a combination of an overview of biblical history and scholarship and direct commentary on the text. Its features include 23 indispensable articles on the history, literary background, and cultural influences of the Bible, the complete text of the Revised English Bible with the Apocrypha, fully revised and updated page-by-page textual annotations, a special index to people, places, and themes in the Bible, and full color New Oxford Bible Maps with index.
The New Testament as Literature by
The words, phrases, and stories of the New Testament permeate the English language, often to the point where they are part of the vernacular. When people call a citizen a Good Samaritan or advise a friend, "You will reap what you sow," they illustrate the pervasive influence of New Testament texts. This relatively small group of twenty-seven books, written during the height of the Roman Empire, helped create and sustain a religion. But they also have contributed to larger cultural dynamics of the West, above and beyond particular religious expressions.Looking at the New Testament through a very particular lens, that of literary study, Keefer raises questions about the language and crafting of this classic text. A literary approach to the New Testament assumes that the documents found here not only convey ideas but also entertain, prod, puzzle and delight audiences. Even for readers not religiously bound to the New Testament, the artistry of the New Testament can prove engaging and provocative. Reading the New Testament as literature brings to light the dynamics of this engagement. Whereas religious interpreters of these scriptures, driven by a desire to find moral or theological content, might overlook the aesthetic experience of the reader, literary interpretation foregrounds this experience.
Islam by
This compact introduction to Islam encapsulates the essential aspects of Islam as a living religion and social force. The book is organized around seven topics: the life of Muhammad; Islamic political development and territorial expansion; the important groupings of Islamic believers (Sunni, Shi'ite, and Sufi); the Qur'an (the Holy Book of Islam); Sunnah, Hadith (the record of the Prophet's actions and sayings), and Shari'ah (the compilation of Islamic law); the five Articles of Faith and the so-called Five Pillars of Islam that govern faith and action; and other binding religious observances and festivals. The presentation of these seven aspects of Islam strikes a balance between fact, tradition, current interpretation, and commentary. S. A. Nigosian underscores two fundamental points: that to understand Islam properly, it is necessary to see it as a major faith tradition, with Muhammad as the last of a series of messengers sent by God; and that to grasp the spirit of Islam, one must recognize its emphasis on an uncompromising monotheism, with strict adherence to certain social, political, and religious practices, as taught by the Prophet and elaborated by tradition.
What Is Veiling? by
Ranging from simple head scarf to full-body burqa, the veil is worn by vast numbers of Muslim women around the world. What Is Veiling? explains one of the most visible, controversial, and least understood emblems of Islam. Sahar Amer's evenhanded approach is anchored in sharp cultural insight and rich historical context. Addressing the significance of veiling in the religious, cultural, political, and social lives of Muslims, past and present, she examines the complex roles the practice has played in history, religion, conservative and progressive perspectives, politics and regionalism, society and economics, feminism, fashion, and art. By highlighting the multiple meanings of veiling, the book decisively shows that the realities of the practice cannot be homogenized or oversimplified and extend well beyond the religious and political accounts that are overwhelmingly proclaimed both inside and outside Muslim-majority societies. Neither defending nor criticizing the practice, What Is Veiling? clarifies the voices of Muslim women who struggle to be heard and who, veiled or not, demand the right to live spiritual, personal, and public lives in dignity.
The Qur'an by
The Qur'an, believed by Muslims to be the word of God, was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad 1400 years ago. Recognized as the greatest literary masterpiece in Arabic, the sacred text has nevertheless remained difficult to understand in its English translations. First published in 2004, M.A.S. Abdel Haleem's translation has been acclaimed for its success in avoiding archaism and cryptic language to produce a version that is both faithful to the original and easy to read. Now for the first time it is published with the original Arabic text to give a greater appreciation and understanding of the holy book. The traditional Arabic calligraphic pages are displayed alongside the English translation, which has been revised for this new edition. A useful general introduction on the revelation, stylistic features, issues of interpretation and translation of the Qur'an is included, together with summaries of each sura, essential footnotes and an index. The verses are individually numbered to facilitate comparison with the Arabic. It is an edition both for those familiar with the Qur'an and for those coming to it for the first time; the message of the Qur'an was directly addressed to all people regardless of class, gender, or age, and this dual-language edition is equally accessible to everyone.
Spiritual Gems of Islam by
Refine your heart and mind with the wisdom of Islamic spirituality "To live a meaningful life one that brings us joy, contentment and fulfillment we have to do the inner spiritual work of becoming a more complete human being." from the Introduction Over the centuries, Islamic sages have gleaned timeless spiritual insights and practices from sacred texts, meditation and knowledge of the heart gems that have been passed down from generation to generation. This book invites you no matter what your practice may be to access the treasure chest of Islamic spirituality, particularly Sufism, and use its wealth to strengthen your own journey. The riches include guidance drawn from the Qur'an, sayings of the Prophet Muhammad and Sufi poets such as the thirteenth-century Rumi on cultivating awareness, intentionality and compassion for self and others. This book also features entertaining wisdom teaching stories, especially those of Mulla Nasruddin, Islam's great comic foil, to expand the mind and heart. It breaks down barriers to accessing this ancient tradition for modern seekers by dispelling myths about the Muslim faith concerning gender bias, inclusivity and appreciation for diversity. Regardless of where you are on your spiritual journey, you will find these gems worthy additions to your own treasure chest within."