Wise, Isaac M. The Essence of Judaism: For Teachers & Pupils, and for Self-Instruction

(AMERICAN JUDAICA)

Bloch

Cincinnati

1861

English interspersed with Hebrew

Singerman 1732

This "catechism" of Judaism offers a comprehensive exposition of the religion from the perspective of Reform Judaism, whose American spokesman was the author. Isaac Wise found particularly objectionable the Biblical doctrine of sacrifices. Thus we read on p. 61: "If the temple of Jerusalem should ever be re-built, no sacrifices would be made there, as we could not thus be instructed or edified. God by destroying the Temple demonstrated His will that no more sacrifices should be brought."