Jewish culture and religion has played a significant role in the formation of world, as well as American, culture. Jews, both practicing and non-practicing, have become thoroughly integrated into society. Outside of Israel, the U.S. maintains the highest concentration of Jews worldwide. The Pocket Idiot's Guide to Judaism looks at the Jewish religious tradition from its birth in Biblical times to the foundation of the modern Jewish state of Israel. Key themes in Judaic history, such as the formative period of the Temple, coexistence with Christianity, the critical Reform and the community's long struggle against anti-Semitism, are explored. Important contemporary concepts, practices and holidays such as Zionism, Kaddish and Passover, are but a few points of interest concisely covered. The book ends with a brief survey of Judaism's future challenges: the survival of the Jewish state, Judaism and feminism and the assimilation of Jews into secular society.

Amy Zavatto is a freelance writer and editor residing in Staten Island, New York