Eminently readable, informative, and entertaining, "The Jewish 100" ranks the most influential Jews of all time, with biographies of each person and the reason for his or her ranking. The influence of these men and women spans all fields--from religion and music to sports and philosophy. Illustrations.

The Jewish 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Jews of All Time

Offers profiles, ranging from Biblical times to the modern era, of the most influential Jewish men and women of all time, in religion, music, science, diplomacy, literature, philosophy, sports, and many other fields.

How does this Jewish history book differ from all others? Instead of burdening the reader with endless details about every single aspect of Jewish history, Pasachoff and Littman provide essential information, easily digested by readers of all ages, that chronicles only the major events and people of the past. The history of the Jews covers a period of over 3,500 years, with an overwhelming number of countries and lands. It is a microcosm of the history of the world. Consequently, even a one-volume work can be difficult to read from cover to cover to gain the sweep of Jewish history. This book speaks to the reader who is interested in individual topics or periods and wants a quick-reference guide to the people and places that truly shaped Jewish history. At the same time, if read from beginning to end, these 'nutshells' will provide a chronological history of the Jews.

Over many centuries, Judaism has consistently demonstrated a particular fondness for books and literacy, and this guide allows readers to listen in on the Jewish conversation across many centuries?from the Hebrew Bible and the rabbinic masterpieces to the pressing subjects of the early 21st century. It introduces great works of biography, spirituality, theology, poetry, fiction, history, and political theory. With a special focus on modern American Jewish life and the two core events of contemporary Jewish history?the Holocaust and the founding of the State of Israel?this overview guides readers to books espousing virtually all types of historic and modern Judaic expression. Each of the chronologically arranged entries examines one title within its historical context, provides information about the author, and gives a clear and focused summary of its content.

Tablet’s list of the 100 most Jewish foods is not about the most popular Jewish foods, or the tastiest, or even the most enduring. It’s a list of the most significant foods culturally and historically to the Jewish people, explored deeply with essays, recipes, stories, and context. Some of the dishes are no longer cooked at home, and some are not even dishes in the traditional sense (store-bought cereal and Stella D’oro cookies, for example). The entire list is up for debate, which is what makes this book so much fun. Many of the foods are delicious (such as babka and shakshuka). Others make us wonder how they’ve survived as long as they have (such as unhatched chicken eggs and jellied calves’ feet). As expected, many Jewish (and now universal) favorites like matzo balls, pickles, cheesecake, blintzes, and chopped liver make the list. The recipes are global and represent all contingencies of the Jewish experience. Contributors include Ruth Reichl, Éric Ripert, Joan Nathan, Michael Solomonov, Dan Barber, Gail Simmons, Yotam Ottolenghi, Tom Colicchio, Amanda Hesser and Merrill Stubbs, Maira Kalman, Action Bronson, Daphne Merkin, Shalom Auslander, Dr. Ruth Westheimer, and Phil Rosenthal, among many others. Presented in a gifty package, The 100 Most Jewish Foods is the perfect book to dip into, quote from, cook from, and launch a spirited debate.

Illustrations. explanations of why certain things are done in a particular way, contemporary applications and information on how to do things is thus made available.