Second edition of Encyclopedia Judaica to be released
Completely updated edition serves as rich source of information on Jewish thought, knowledge for new century and generation
The first edition released in 1970 was also published by Thomson Gale and Keter who have once again renewed their partnership to prepare a second completely revised edition "with a compelling new voice."
The second edition is set to be released in December 2006. The first edition has served for the past 30 years as the principal source of information on the Jewish people, the Jewish faith and the State of Israel.
When the first edition was released in 1970 Israel's first Prime Minister David Ben Gurion said: "It is the duty of Every Jewish parent in the English speaking world to have a copy of the Encyclopedia in the home for the benefit of the next generation." His words ring true today as well.
Thomson Gale's Jay Flynn said nothing has been compromised for this second edition. "The new edition features more than 22,000 signed entries on Jewish life, culture, history and religion written by Israeli American and European specialists. It also includes 2,500 new entries and some 11,000 updated entries," Flynn said.
22 authoritative volumes
The 22 authoritative and meticulously organized volumes of the Encyclopedia Judaica provide an exhaustive overview spanning Jewish life and knowledge from the Second Temple period through to the contemporary State of Israel, Rabbinic modern Yiddish literature, Kabbalah, Zionism and the contribution of Jews to world culture.
The second edition, designed for both the Jewish and non-Jewish readers, now also incorporates more than three decades of changes including new archaeological sites, theories and analytical methodologies.
Original works by top scholars representing all major universities and centers of Jewish research and study have also been incorporated into this edition. Moreover, clarity and substance were added to some 12,000 entries, while the Holocaust section has been expanded featuring more than 50 new articles.
The updated volumes also offer extensive cross referencing and a large subject index, place name lists, names of newspapers and periodicals, illustrations and color inserts including more than 600 maps, charts and tables.
Under the direction of Editor-in-Chief Fred Skolnik, who served as a co-editor on the 1970 edition, an editorial board of more than 50 divisional editors with expertise in their respective fields undertook the task of bringing the Encyclopedia Judaica up to date for the second edition and the new millennium.
The Encyclopedia Judaica is also available in eBook format.
