Judaism implies faith and beliefs, complex practices and a whole way of life. These are mirrored in this encyclopedia which includes hundreds of special articles covering subjects in analytical depth, as well as short biographies of the major figures in the story of Judaism.

Issues of practical interest today are give special attention, such as the article MEDICAL ETHICS which relates to Abortion, Artificial insemination, Autopsies, Birth control, Euthanasia, Surrogate mother...

The contributors are drawn from leading authorities the world over, and the editors, who are eminent scholars with Orthodox, Conservative and Reform backgrounds have ensured that, where relevant, the viewpoint of each trend is accurately rendered. The book also reflects the attitudes and customs of different communities.

The articles are based on the latest scholarship, presented so as to interest and inform the student and the layman. A special feature of the encyclopedia is its distinctive layout, which displays tables and insets containing, for example, texts of prayers, the major laws and practices relating to the subject of the entry, sayings and aphorisms.