Introduction to Judaism

By: Shai Cherry, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Shai Cherry

Length: 12 hrs and 4 mins

Publisher's summary

As a religion, culture, and civilization, Judaism has evolved in surprising ways during its long and remarkable history. In this series of 24 lectures, Professor Cherry explores this rich religious heritage from biblical times to today.

The many topics you will learn about include: the oral Torah (the Mishnah) and its commentary (the Gemarahow), which constitute the Talmud; the three pillars of the world defined more than 2,000 years ago by Shimon the Righteous: Torah, worship, and deeds of loving kindness; the calendar of Jewish holidays, from the most important, the Sabbath, to the key holidays of Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Passover, and Pentecost (Shavuot); and to historically minor celebrations such as Chanukah, which is now a more visible holiday; and the many mysteries of Jewish thought and ritual, such as why the first day of the seventh month (Tishrei) is the Jewish New Year (Rosh Hashanah). In addition, Professor Cherry devotes several lectures to complex issues such as the problem of evil and suffering, the Zionist movement, the role and status of women in the Jewish world, and how Judaism understands Christianity.

From the first lecture on the Torah to the last on the Jews as the Chosen People, this course is packed with truly fascinating information.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2004 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2004 The Great Courses

Fabulous. Many thanks!

Growing up Protestant in the US in an overwhelmingly third-ish generation Catholic Italian / Polish / Irish area, we did not learn a thing about Judaism, which is unacceptable.

About half my brainy friends group in school were Jewish, and I always envied their family and religious ties, Hebrew school, exotic (to me) holidays, and coming-of-age rituals (Bat/Bar Mitzvah). I think it was because I felt like a displaced person, my family having moved from Minnesota to the East Coast. I didn't fit in anywhere culturally, being of Scandinavian heritage, and my family was splintering. Although I adored all of my nerdy friends, wherever I've moved as an adult, I have sorely missed my wicked-smart, warm, hilariously funny Jewish pals. I miss hearing their parents' Yiddish, too, Oy vey!

It's about time I learned what they and their traditions and history are all about. I encourage anyone considering this course to do so. It is fascinating, scholarly, edge-of-the-seat engaging, serious, and at times funny. You will gain a new appreciation of history that will widen your paradigm exponentially.

Thank you, Rabbi Shai Cherry; you rock!

P.S. I about *died* at "...and the Goyim Annoy 'im." Still laughing! Love, Shiksa Face :-D

Great

It’s a great class. He gives a good overview of Judaism and I like listening to his voice.

Broadly Informative

Seemed to me to be a great overview of Judaism. It was academic in its depth but still relatively easy to understand. I feel informed and like I got my money’s worth. Exactly what I was looking for.

Listened through it a second time.

Shai Cherry eloquently and articulately communicates the multifarious aspects and development of Judaisms with warmth.

Good material, not the best presentation

This course covered the progression and evolution of Judaism through history to the modern time. I learned a lot and am better able now to see the Jewish context on the world. The lecturer is good but not great and sometimes rambles. That being said I do recommend this course.

Great introductory book

Loads of great information wonderful entry level book into Judaism. I walked away from this audiobook retaining a lot of information!

Superb!!!

Any additional comments?

This was a comprehensive, understandable course. The presenter covered so much material in an open non-biased way regarding the different types of Judaism and the historical background. There was so much material that I will have to listen to it again to gain an even better understanding. I cannot recommend this course highly enough.

Amazingly crafted and delivered

Dr. Cherry does a fantastic job covering the basics and the complexities with engaging presentation, excellent and relevant examples, and an unmatched passion for the subject of Judaism studies.

Very informative!

Great lecture about Judaism and excellent presentation and narration. This is a perfect course for everyone interested to know the basics of Judaism. Highly recommended!

What a Wonderful Course!

This is a thoughtful, detailed and scholarly introduction to a very complicated subject. Professor Cherry's style is warm and engaging; as a listener I was never bored, and my attention never wandered.

I will be listening to this whole course a second time to grasp all the details.