Jewish Info Needed

http://www.religioustolerance.org/judaism.htm

http://www.beliefnet.com/Faiths/Judaism/index.aspx

I am not Jewish - but I do love the study of religions.

They do believe in the same God, but they do not (obviously) believe the Messiah has come. The Jewish bible is called the Tanakh, and it's the same books as the Christian Old Testament in slightly different order, and there are some differences.

http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Bible/jpstoc....

Jewish history -- There are several, fantastic world religion books out there. Beyond that there is a rich source of websites to begin with:

http://www.jewishhistory.com/
http://www.ushmm.org/wlc/en/article.php?ModuleId=10005143

I think you'll find the Jewish people have a very rich history that is much deeper then the Holocaust. I love reading about various world religions - it is amazing to see how many similarities there are, and understand what makes people tick.

Good luck in your studies -- I hope some other ladies can help you more.

Edit: I found a few books you might like

A History of the Jews by Paul Johnson
http://www.amazon.com/History-Jews-Paul-M-Johnson/dp/0060...

Jewish Literacy - Rabbi Joseph Telushkin
http://www.amazon.com/Jewish-Literacy-Revised-Ed-Importan...

This one is a Holocaust book.. but the reviews are amazing, a memoir of a survivor.
I have lived a thousand years - Livia Bitton-Jackson
http://www.amazon.com/Have-Lived-Thousand-Years-Holocaust...

I am familiar and recommend most the books and websites Heather A recommends (Telushkin, Johnson)

As a primer to Jewish religion that is nicely readable, you can also try Herman Wouk's "This is My G-d".

As for understanding more about some Jewish beliefs and practicels try "To Be a Jew" or "To Pray as a Jew" by Donin.

Also on the holocaust, you can check out the websites of both Yad Vashem (The Holocaust Museum in Israel) and the US Holocaust Museum
www.ushmmm.org
www.yadvashem.org

In addition, you can read any books of Elie Wiesel (Nobel Prize Winner and Holocaust survivor). My first was "Night".

Iif you want to read a current novel that is based on the Holocaust, try "Sarah's Key" by Tatiana de Rosnay..it reads like a suspense and also moving.

If you want other specific recommendations in the above fields, you can email me through mamapedia and, while I am no expert, I will try to ascertain.

GL

I agree with Amy. I think it's awesome that your are wanting to learn about a completely different religion/culture! I too love studying religion and have also been drawn to the Judaism. It could be because i've started to watch Millionaire Matchmaker. . . could be.

If you can, get Netflix, then get a Roku box. It allows you to watch instantly on your TV. There are tons of documentaries to choose from. You can get Netflix for ten bucks a month and the box is a one time fee.

Margaret :)

I'm not Jewish but I just wanted to say that I think its really great that you want to learn more. I don't think its ignorant at all. The fact that you are wanting to learn more is proof of that.

There are some great books on Jewish culture and history, but also a lot of great stuff on the web. I bet a good Google search and a trip to the library will keep your busy for a few weeks.

I hope you get lots of good posts too, because I'd like to know more myself. Two thumbs up for learning!

I have always found answers about the Jewish religion from Zola Levitt a completed Jew. His books/DVDs are available on Amazon and in all book stores. Enjoy your journey.

I would start with The Jewish Book of Why (2 editions). It gives great explanations of different aspects and rituals of Judaism. It's a great starting point.

Good luck with your studies!!