Originaly published in 1989, this comprehensive survey of Judaism has become a popular text in universities, religious colleges and seminaries, and adult education classes. Now its author, Stephen M. Wylen, performs a geunine service by updating his critically acclaimed text for the twenty-first century. Settings of Silver, Second Edition, reflects the changes in the political structure of Eastern Europe and other recent events, while retaining its accessibility, easy-to-understand language, and compactness.

In four sections, the author covers the panorama of Judaism, its history and heritage, including:

• What it means to be a Jew


• The role of the Torah


• The Jewish view of God


• Faith, practices, and customs


• Marriage and family


• Rituals and dietary laws


• Death and the afterlife


• Mysticism, literature, philosophy


• Immigration to the U.S.


• The three branches of Judaism


• The Holocaust


• The State of Israel


• Modernism and Judaism


• The future of Judaism

Engaging, timely and appropriate for persons of all religious backgrounds, this enduring work belongs in the library of anyone who wants to understand Judaism and the Jewish people.