What Do Jews Believe?: The Spiritual Foundations of Judaism Paperback - 1996

First line

It is difficult to imagine Jewish identity without a belief in God.

From the rear cover

Once understood as an inherited tradition, religion is increasingly viewed today as a matter of personal choice, an experience to be examined and explored. Yet while many American Jews feel an emotional attachment to Judaism, they cannot always articulate the beliefs that define their faith. In this provocative study, David Ariel explores the diverse and colorful views of Jewish thinkers on the profound issues of God, human destiny, good and evil, chosenness, Torah, and messianism, among many other subjects. Despite a diversity of views, Ariel finds an overarching structure in the "sacred myths" that Jews of every orientation return to as their core beliefs - the essential ideas that each generation strives to interpret and apply to life. To call these beliefs "myths" does not mean that they are fairy tales, but rather that they are starting points that define the essence of faith. Meaning, Ariel argues, is always presented in the language of the myths, or beliefs, that a culture holds sacred, and the sacred myths of Judaism reveal the special nature of Jewish spirituality. This spirited, clarifying discussion guides us toward a definition of the beliefs that shape Jewish identity, providing the rationale and stimulus for a reconnection to the spiritual tradition of Judaism.

Media reviews

"A clear and valuable guide to the convictions and vision of Judaism. Anyone who seeks to know what Judaism is really all about will be in his debt."
—David Wolpe, Why Be Jewish?

"A remarkably rich and useful introduction to millennia of Jewish beliefs."
—Kirkus Reviews

"Brilliantly organizes the major ideas of Judaism. Anyone seeking orientation within the complex world of Jewish thought should begin with this book"
—Susannah Heschel, author of On Being a Jewish Feminist

"A thoughtful, informed, broad-minded overview of the most basic principles of the Jewish religion."
—Robert M. Seltzer, author of Jewish People, Jewish Thought

"Ariel's lucid presentation is a perfect gift to someone rediscovering his or her Jewish roots or someone choosing to be a Jew."
—Hadassah Magazine