for sharing. The authors focus on the synagogues and services of three branches of North American Judaism--Conservative, Reconstruction, and Reform. Clearly establishing Judaism as a religion as opposed to a race or a nationality, they introduce readers to Sabbath customs, prayer, the sanctuary and its contents, the Torah, important holidays and life cycle events, and key tenets of the faith, such as giving to others and repairing the world. Topics are presented in attractive double-page spreads comprising succinct text, full-color photographs, and pronunciation guides for Hebrew words. Numerous sidebars containing captioned, close-up photographs of a variety of ritual objects are a plus. This is a worthy successor to older titles such as Joan Sugarman's Inside the Synagogue (1984), and it will be welcomed in religious school collections as well as school and public libraries where Judaism or comparative religion is a subject of interest.

Descriptive, colorful photography illuminates the vibrant center of Jewish life—the synagogue, a sanctuary for worship, a school for studying and learning and a gathering place for celebration, mitzvoth (doing good work) and commemoration. Hoffman gives clear, informative depictions of the diverse functions within the building, including Hebrew terminology in both transliterated and translated form. Weekly Shabbat services, celebrations of baby namings, to b'nai mitzvahs, to weddings and holidays, are simply illustrated and enhanced with detailed sidebars. The lucid text is written to appeal to most types of synagogue communities in North America: that of the Conservative, Reconstructionist and Reform movements with a variety of families—young, old, single—depicting women and men equally participating in the rituals and traditions. Spacious, attractive design welcomes the reader into both the spiritual and cultural world of Judaism. For all multicultural and Judaic collections. (Nonfiction. 9+)

Gr 3-6-This book provides a warm and thorough welcome to the center of Jewish life, emphasizing its core purpose as a house of prayer, learning, and community. Each appealing spread focuses on an aspect of synagogue life and practice, from the weekly Shabbat service to holidays and life-cycle events. The text is packed with detailed explanations; occasionally, they can be a bit overwhelming for children who might not be familiar with Judaism. Still, the book has a friendly tone and emphasizes basic values such as the importance of learning and welcoming strangers. Numerous clear color photos and pronunciation guides for Hebrew words are included. While the focus is on synagogues in the Conservative, Reconstructionist, and Reform movements within North America, the authors point out that Jews throughout the world practice their religion in synagogues. An excellent overview.-Teri Markson, Stephen S. Wise Temple Elementary School, Los Angeles Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.