In this lucid tour of the Jewish experience from biblical to post-Holocaust times, Bayme (social work, Yeshiva U.; National Director, Jewish Communal Affairs of the American Jewish Committee) highlights the primary shaping events, ideas, and texts fostering continuity of the Judaic heritage. The author concludes with a synopsis of ongoing Jewish challenges (e.g. the territorial imperative of Israel in the context of the diaspora), and a look at future trends. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.