Beginning with the question 'who is a Jew?', this book offers a lucid account of Judaism and the Jewish people. Written for Jews and non-Jews alike, be they students, teachers, or general interested readers, the book brings out the extraordinary richness and variety of Judaism: its historical depth, and the vigour and at times amazing endurance of its traditions - in the home, in the synagogue, in its literature, in individual and community life. Nicholas de Lange explains the history and details of inherited rituals and customs; of established religion; of concepts such as Zionism, Diaspora, Messianism. Half of the world's Jews live in North America and the rest are widely scattered, and the book is sensitive to the global context of Judaism. An Introduction to Judaism contains illustrative tables and maps, a full glossary, chronology, bibliography and index. This is a stimulating and comprehensive introduction to a major world culture.

‘Nicholas de Lange has produced an excellent introduction to Judaism, which will doubtless become a standard textbook for undergraduate students. It is not an easy task to write a popular work, which does not err on the side of superficiality, but de Lange has written a lucid and impressive work. This book is one of the best short one volume works on the subject of Judaism to the knowledge of this reviewer.’

Source: CCJJ

‘… this book is invaluable’.

Source: The Times Literary Supplement

‘Written with clarity and in a very pleasing style.’

Source: Expository Times