Best Judaism Books of 2025

The Jewish Study Bible: Second Edition is a comprehensive one-volume resource for students of the Hebrew Bible, combining the entire Hebrew Bible with explanatory notes, essays, and introductory materials by leading biblical scholars. The second edition includes revised annotations and updated essays, making it an essential resource for anyone interested in the Hebrew Bible. The quality of scholarship, easy-to-navigate format, and vibrant supplementary features bring the ancient text to life. The book has won acclaim from readers of all religious traditions and is highly recommended for serious-minded readers interested in Jewish interpretation and worship.

The New English Translation of the Septuagint is a much-needed addition to the study of the Bible. The Septuagint, an ancient Greek translation of Jewish sacred writings, is an important part of both Judaism and Christianity. This modern and accurate translation fills a gap in scholarship and provides valuable insight into the history of the text of the Bible. Written by experts in the field, Albert Pietersma and Benjamin G. Wright, this translation is a must-have for students of the Bible and those interested in the history of interpretation. Highly recommended.

The Zohar: Pritzker Edition, Vol. 1 is the first-ever translation of a critical Aramaic text of the Zohar, covering over half of the Zohar's commentary on the Book of Genesis. The extensive commentary clarifies the kabbalistic symbolism and terminology, citing sources and parallels from biblical, rabbinic, and kabbalistic texts. Written in a unique Aramaic, this masterpiece of Kabbalah exceeds the dimensions of a normal book; it is virtually a body of literature, comprising over twenty discrete sections. The Zohar's commentary is composed in the form of a mystical novel, and the hero is Rabbi Shim'on son of Yohai, a saintly disciple of Rabbi Akiva who lived in the second century in the land of Israel. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for those interested in the mystical aspects of Judaism.

The Babylonian Talmud: Translated into English for the First Time, with Introduction, Commentary, Glossary and Indices is a must-read for anyone interested in Judaism, translations of the Talmud, and theology. Originally published in 1921, this book includes the English translation of the Talmud, Tractate Berakhot, along with a detailed introduction, commentary, glossary, and indices. The book is a valuable resource for those who wish to gain a deeper understanding of Jewish culture and history. The book is published by Cambridge University Press, making it a trusted and reliable source of information.

A Short History of the Jewish People: From Legendary Times to Modern Statehood is a concise, authoritative volume that provides insights and answers to the long history of Jewish people. The book presents major geographical, cultural, and political forces that have determined the course of Jewish history, introducing the many individuals who have shaped the character, mindset, and prospects of the Jewish people. Written by a respected Hebrew scholar, cultural historian, noted author, and rabbi, the book carefully describes the story of a people as varied as the many cultures in which they have lived. The book is a valuable resource for anyone broadly curious about the Jewish people.

The Guide of the Perplexed, Vol. 1 is a monumental piece of rabbinical exegesis that has influenced Jewish thought since its publication in the twelfth century. This edition, with introductions by Shlomo Pines and Leo Strauss, aims to liberate readers from their tormenting perplexities arising from understanding the Bible according to its literal meaning. It has also been a formative element in the thinking of leading Christian writers and philosophers. This two-volume Phoenix paperback edition by University of Chicago Press is a must-read for those interested in Torah books.

The Sin of Moses and the Staff of God (Studia Semitica Neerlandica) by Johnson Teng Kok Lim is a compelling book that delves into the complex and perplexing sin of Moses. Using a narrative approach, Lim attempts to shed light on the difficult conundrum presented in Numbers 20:1-13 in the light of Exodus 17:1-7. The book argues that Moses' abuse and misuse of the sacred staff constitutes an act of rebellion against YHWH's authority. Lim's fresh exegetical probe is a must-read for those interested in Hebrew and Old Testament studies.

This book, "Judaism in a Digital Age: An Ancient Tradition Confronts a Transformative Era" by Danny Schiff, explores the role Judaism can play in the rapidly changing digital era. Schiff argues that the period known as "modernity" has ended and new iterations of Judaism must arise to address the weighty questions surrounding what it means to be human. He examines Jewish teachings and traditions to offer moral insights in this period of great flux. Schiff offers a roadmap for mobilizing liberal Jewish movements to meet the challenges of immense technological and scientific advances. This book is a must-read for anyone involved in Jewish life.

"Demons in the Details" by Sara Ronis is an insightful exploration of how the Babylonian Talmud regulates demonic encounters. The author contextualizes the rabbinic canon within the cultural matrix of Sasanian Babylonia, placing rabbinic thinking in conversation with other religious communities' texts. Ronis offers a fascinating study of how the rabbis participated in broader discussions about beliefs and practices and created a profoundly Jewish demonology. Overall, this book offers a unique perspective on the history of Judaism and is a must-read for anyone interested in the topic.

The Zohar: Pritzker Edition, Volume Twelve is a collection of mystical interpretations of the Torah, featuring various Zoharic compositions such as Piqqudin, Raza de-Razin, Sitrei Otiyyot, Qav ha-Middah, and commentary on Merkevet Yehezqel. The book presents a mystical essay that maps out the emergence of divine and mundane reality, and a mystical overflow to the ten sefirot. The last chapter includes Zoharic commentary to various portions of the Torah. The book is highly recommended for readers interested in the ancient and medieval science of physiognomy and Kabbalah. The book is unique in its lyrical Aramaic language and its mystical interpretations of the Torah.