"This is a story of the Jewish experience through history, which introduces and explains the many dimensions of Jewish life as 'cycles' through which Jewish history, thought, writing, and practices have evolved and continue to mature. Steven Jacobs writes a clear and straightforward introduction that explains the basics of Jewish history, the tradition of texts, key philosophical and theological issues and thinkers, the Judaic calendar, and contemporary global concerns and what the future may portend for Judaism. This book is appropriate for use in general and historical introductory courses on Judaism as well as by general readers who seek a better understanding of the richness and meaning of Jewish life through history"--Publisher description.