by Rabbi Chaim Iram
Rabbi Chashi Freedman, editor
Foreword by Professor Benjamin Ish-Shalom
Essentials of Judaism provides access to an entire Jewish world in a single volume. For those interested in discovering the deep richness of Jewish heritage, this new work focuses on the central themes and beliefs of Judaism while delving into relevant and meaningful details.
Written in clear, user-friendly language and accompanied by color illustrations, Essentials of Judaism explores the story of the Jewish people over the millennia. Covering topics found in the Torah (Bible), Jewish history, faith, philosophy, Halacha (Jewish law) and its meaning, as well as Jewish customs and lifestyles, this volume discusses sensitive – even controversial – issues with care and respect. It presents the complexity and diversity of views and approaches (netivim) to many topics relevant to the modern reader.
This book was produced by the team at NATIV – the National Center for Identity and Conversion in Israel – and reflects NATIV’s inclusive educational approach and outlook.
“Essentials of Judaism is an indispensable presentation of authentic Judaism for today’s world. It is invaluable for anyone interested in a concise, clear, organized guide to traditional Jewish life.”
–Rabbi Michael Whitman, Senior Rabbi of ADATH Congregation, Hampstead, Quebec
About the Author:
Rabbi Chaim Iram holds rabbinical ordination and certification as a dayan (religious judge) from the Eretz Hemdah and Harry Fischel Institutes. Involved in conversion for over thirty years, Rabbi Iram served as the deputy head of the Israeli conversion courts. He taught at NATIV and later served as its director. Rabbi Iram serves as the rabbi of Elazar in Gush Etzion and is an international consultant and speaker on Jewish topics and programs. He is a graduate of Netiv Meir and Yeshivat Or Etzion, and served in the infantry with the IDF hesder program.
About the Editor:
Rabbi Chashi Freedman is the Director of Education at NATIV. Born and raised in New York, Rabbi Freedman moved to Israel as a lone soldier in 1982 and served as a sergeant in the Paratrooper Brigade. He holds a B.A. in Talmud and an M.A. in Jewish Education, along with rabbinic ordination and teacher certification. Rabbi Freedman served as a congregational rabbi in Palm Springs, Coordinator of Jewish Thought and Identity at the Van Leer Jerusalem Institute, and Director of the Yachad Jewish Leadership Program. He has been involved in many pluralistic dialogue initiatives among different sectors of Israeli society, is a recipient of the Avi Chai Foundation Sabbatical Prize, and has lectured widely on Jewish and Israeli topics in Israel, the United States, and Europe.