For those readers who are relatively unacquainted with Jewish people, Jewish culture, and Judaic history, this compact book offers a brief overview of the complexities of Judaism in the twenty-first century. Those readers who are familiar with Jewish culture and history may find here a convenient springboard from which to do further research, as facilitated by the enticingly lengthy bibliography.

In this intrepidly written guide, Ilean Baltodano shares what she has learned since she began her odyssey of inquiry: Who are the Jewish people? Is Judaism a religion? When did Jews first arrive in the Americas? What lessons can we learn from the Holocaust? What is Zionism? These are some of the questions that are discussed in a straightforward and compassionate manner. Students and adult readers will also enjoy this invitation to learn more about the theory that Christopher Columbus enabled Jews to step foot in the Americas.