jjares reviewed History of the Jews: A Captivating Guide to Jewish History, Starting from the Ancient Israelites through Roman Rule to World War 2 on + 3270 more book reviews
This book tells us that Moses told the story of the Jews in the first 5 books of the Bible, starting with Genesis. After creation, the Bible follows a specific lineage of people, leading to Abraham, the great biblical patriarch. Abraham is identified as the founding father of Judaism, as a religion. I was not aware that Abraham's father (Terah) made his living making and selling stone idols. Much of the country of Ur was polytheistic. However, Abraham was not; he believed in one God.
The first five chapters of this book relate the early history of the Jews according to the Bible. It is interesting because it clarifies events and puts some things into a geo-political framework (that makes it more understandable). The author describes leaders (and their significance) and how they were viewed by the people alive at the time. When the story continues with Jesus of Nazareth, the book reminds the reader that Jesus was a Jew.
I appreciated the quotes that were shared at the beginning of chapter headings. Generally, they were Jewish leaders/thinkers who would come up in the book's discussion. Thanks also for the explanation of Kabbalah - a school of thought in Jewish mysticism. Giving a snippet of the theory/thought helped me to understand what was meant by 'Kabbalah.'
So much of this book helps explain other things I've read in world history. I was amazed to learn that the Soviets were the ones who entered Auschwitz first (in January 1945). Explaining how Israel was emptied of Jews and how they fought their way back is a story I'd never heard before. It also explains why the Arabs were underwhelmed with the opportunity to share their country. It was interesting to learn that the United Nations, not Britain, brokered the deal.
No wonder there was so much conflict over the creation of Israel. We will probably never get to the bottom of the promises that were made (from all sides) that set the people up for such hostility. It also explains clearly why it is so hard to come to a compromise. It must be incredibly hard for the Palestinians who are still stateless.
This book is profoundly interesting and thought-provoking. I learned so much by reading this overview of the Jewish people.
The first five chapters of this book relate the early history of the Jews according to the Bible. It is interesting because it clarifies events and puts some things into a geo-political framework (that makes it more understandable). The author describes leaders (and their significance) and how they were viewed by the people alive at the time. When the story continues with Jesus of Nazareth, the book reminds the reader that Jesus was a Jew.
I appreciated the quotes that were shared at the beginning of chapter headings. Generally, they were Jewish leaders/thinkers who would come up in the book's discussion. Thanks also for the explanation of Kabbalah - a school of thought in Jewish mysticism. Giving a snippet of the theory/thought helped me to understand what was meant by 'Kabbalah.'
So much of this book helps explain other things I've read in world history. I was amazed to learn that the Soviets were the ones who entered Auschwitz first (in January 1945). Explaining how Israel was emptied of Jews and how they fought their way back is a story I'd never heard before. It also explains why the Arabs were underwhelmed with the opportunity to share their country. It was interesting to learn that the United Nations, not Britain, brokered the deal.
No wonder there was so much conflict over the creation of Israel. We will probably never get to the bottom of the promises that were made (from all sides) that set the people up for such hostility. It also explains clearly why it is so hard to come to a compromise. It must be incredibly hard for the Palestinians who are still stateless.
This book is profoundly interesting and thought-provoking. I learned so much by reading this overview of the Jewish people.
