‘Principles of the Jewish Faith’ review in the Association of Jewish Libraries Newsletter

Originally published in the Association of Jewish Libraries Newsletter.

Jacobs, Louis. Principles of the Jewish Faith. Northvale, N.J.: Jason Aronson 1988. $35.00. ISBN 0-87668-871-7.

This reprint of a volume originally published in 1964 by Basic Books, is a thorough examination of the Thirteen Principles of Maimonides. The author, a prominent rabbi and scholar, has added a new preface in which he discusses the unique character of Judaism: “a union of the ethical and the religious”. The basic work, compares and contrasts the view of Jews and non-Jews, then discusses the conformity of the principle with modern theology. Of particular interest to modern readers is the 12th Principle and its relationship with Zionism.

A book which should be in every Judaica library is most welcome in a reprint of this quality. If you don’t own it, buy it . . . and if you have an old copy, consider replacing it with this acidfree copy, printed and bound to withstand library use.

I.S.L. for the Association of Jewish Libraries Newsletter