An updated and revised edition of one of The Complete Idiot's Guides® popular religion and history titles. The second edition contains new information about Jews in early American history through the 19th century as well as expanded coverage of Jewish history and culture in the places you might least expect-Asia and South America. Publication marks the 350th anniversary of the first synagogue in the United States (Rhode Island), and brings Jewish history and culture up to date to 2004.

This guide contains a complete, authoritative account of the Jewish people- including profiles of Biblical and political leaders-and focuses on understanding the Jewish influence on American and world culture, offering insights into the Yiddish and Hebrew languages, theater, art, literature, comedy, film, television, and more.