This Very Short Introduction discusses Judaism as a living religion in all its contemporary richness and variety. How has it changed since the days of the Bible, or even since the time of Jesus. What sects and divisions does it have, and how does it respond to the challenges of modernity? How does the secular state of Israel resolve the conflicts of 'Church' and State?

Norman Solomon provides an accessible and perceptive introduction to the central features and characters of Judaism, from its spiritual leaders, poets, and philosophers, to its eccentrics, including the mystic who tried to convert the pope, and the Berber princess who held up the Arab invasion of Spain.