Soc.Culture.Jewish Newsgroups

Other Introductory Resources on the Internet

www.scjfaq.org

The following are some other introductory resources and FAQs on the Internet. Important Note: The information in the resources listed below has not been reviewed by the SCJ FAQ Committee or the SCJ FAQ maintainer. There may be inaccuracies or misrepresentations. You should always check material with primary sources, including your local rabbi.

Judaism 101 (http://www.ou.org/about/judaism2.htm). A comprehensive information base of basic Jewish terms and practices. A project of the Orthodox Union; hence, this reflects the traditional viewpoint.
Judaism 101 (http://www.jewfaq.org/). Yes, this site has the same title as the OU site. This site is "an online encyclopedia of Judaism, covering Jewish beliefs, people, places, things, language, scripture, holidays, practices and customs." It is maintained by Tracey Rich, who is a traditional, observant Jew who works as the Educational Director for LegalEdge Software
Being Jewish (http://beingjewish.com/). A site dedicated to the question: What is "Being Jewish"? It is maintained by Mordechai Housman, a fifth-generation Karlin-Stolin Chosid by patrilineal descent, though his ancestors on both sides have been Chassidim ever since the Bal Shem Tov's times.
User Friendly FAQ on Chasidism (http://www.pinenet.com/~rooster/hasid1.html). Answers to some basic questions about Chasidism. Maintained by Rabbi Yonassan Gershom, a Chasidic Jew.
Jewish.COMmunity Online (http://www.jewish.com/). The Jewish Community Online site contains a subpage with an Introduction to Judaism (http://www.jewish.com/askarabbi/Jews_and_Judaism/), as well as other information. Based in San Francisco, the philosophy of jewish.com is to serve all Jews from the most observant to the most secular. They are welcoming of non-Jews and attempt to answer questions about our religion, traditions and culture.
Introduction to Judaism (http://judaism.about.com/religion/judaism/library/intro/bl_intro.htm). About.com's page of introductory material about Judaism.
Robert Kaiser's Judaism FAQs (http://communities.msn.com/JudaismFAQs). This page provides links to FAQs on the following subjects: Jewish Principles of Faith; The Jewish Denominations; God: Jewish Views Revelation and Torah; The Conservative & Masorti Judaism FAQs; Judaica essays; Who wrote the Torah?; Biblical Criticism FAQ; Recommended Jewish Books. It is maintained by Robert Kaiser, a Conservative Jew. Note: Some of these FAQs have been controversial on soc.culture.judaism, particularly in their representation of non-Conservative movements. As noted above, they can be considered a general introduction, but should be checked against primary sources.