This encyclopedic volume seems to cover every aspect of Judaism--its religious observances, prominent figures, and historical background; ritual theology, philosophy and myth; biblical scholarship, ideas and movements as well as names. Ranging--in alphabetical order--from a alphabet to Zionism, the detailed dossiers invest their subjects with history, lore and pertinent quotations from commentators through the ages. In addition to expected entries on rabbis, beards and bar mitzvahs, the controversial aspects of today's Jewry are treated at some length (attitude toward Gentiles, anti-Semitism, racial myths and Jewish Separatism). Interesting sidelights relieve the corpus of pure information and make the hook not only possible but enjoyable as occasional reading. An invaluable reference with especial value for members of this faith.