What are the most essential ideas, concepts
and terms
that an educated person needs to know about
Judaism?
For each term, I have offered a definition,
some history, and a bit of etymology. Then I have tried to ask
what is significant, interesting, or untranslatable about this
Hebrew term. Why, in other words, is it important for you to
know and use this word in Hebrew? “
—from the Introduction
Let one of the great teachers of our time
take 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
we use to hand our past on to our children. It is also the
vocabulary that people of other faiths need to know to
understand Judaism and Jewish life.
In this highly readable, enlightening and
entertaining book, Jews and non-Jews alike can learn more about
the meaning, history and origin of the core Hebrew words that
are shared and understood throughout the Jewish world and why
it is important for people to know and use these words in
Hebrew. From Adonai (“My Lord”) to zekhut (“merit”),
these are the words that constitute the basic vocabulary of
Jewish communal and religious identity.
“These Are the Words is an attempt to create a vocabulary list for
people who want a deeper understanding of Jewish life, with an
emphasis on the spiritual side. While compiling this book, I
have asked myself:
- What are the most essential terms
that an educated Jewish seeker needs to know?
- What is the basic vocabulary of
Jewish spiritual life?
“The ultimate Jewish primer from
Judaism’s greatest scholar of spirituality. This book is
a gem.”
—Lawrence
Kushner, author, The Book of Words: Talking Spiritual Life, Living
Spiritual Talk
“Presents readers with some
essential ideas and concepts of Judaism....This provocative
work can be appreciated by the lay readers as well as the
expert, and by Jews and non-Jews alike.”
—American
Library Association’s Booklist
“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
“Offers a deep and meaningful
exploration of ideas and concepts.... Promotes a greater sense
of Jewish literacy as it is accessible regardless of
one’s Jewish knowledge.”
—Jewish
Book World
“A marvelous mini-encyclopedia of
Jewish religious 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
“Will be useful to all persons
seeking to deepen their understanding of Judaism. A rich
resource for teaching, writing, and studying, the book is
accessible to general readers and scholars.”
—American
Library Association’s Choice
“Profound.... a wonderful book,
which can be read straight through or opened at any page for a
quick burst of insight.”
—American
Jewish World
