What do Jews believe?

Name: What do Jews believe?
ISBN: 0805241191

the spiritual foundations of Judaism

By David S. Ariel

In an era where spiritual identity often feels more chosen than inherited, many Jews find themselves emotionally connected to their heritage yet unable to clearly express what Judaism actually teaches. David Ariel addresses this gap by examining the fundamental beliefs that have shaped Jewish thought across generations and denominations.

Rather than presenting Judaism as a monolithic system, Ariel reveals how Jewish thinkers have grappled with life's deepest questions through diverse yet interconnected perspectives. He explores how different voices within Judaism have understood concepts like divine nature, human purpose, moral responsibility, and spiritual destiny. The author traces these varied viewpoints back to what he calls "sacred myths" - not fictional stories, but foundational narratives that serve as touchstones for Jewish spiritual understanding.

These core narratives, Ariel demonstrates, provide the framework through which each generation of Jews interprets their relationship with the divine and their place in the world. By examining beliefs about chosenness, Torah, messianic hope, and the nature of good and evil, he illuminates the distinctive character of Jewish spirituality.

This exploration offers readers a pathway to understanding not just what Jews have believed throughout history, but how these enduring spiritual concepts continue to provide meaning and direction. For those seeking to reconnect with Jewish tradition or simply understand its spiritual foundations, Ariel provides both clarity and inspiration for engaging with this ancient yet ever-evolving faith.

What You'll Discover