Supplement II of the The Encyclopedia of Judaism represents the fifth volume of this highly acclaimed reference work. Published in 2000, the three-volume Encyclopedia was a huge critical success and selected by the American Library Association as "an outstanding reference source" and by CHOICE as an "Outstanding Academic Title." More than 100 topics are covered in the first three volumes of the Encyclopedia. Subsequent to publication further supplements are being produced to bring the Encyclopedia up to date. The first Supplement, published in 2002, added 32 new studies in the history, practices, and theology of Judaism, and Supplement II will add a further 30 articles.

"Alan J. Avery-Peck is a fine co-editor, responsible for useful and sometimes ground-breaking authority. Avery-Peck gives us the state of scholarship and useful bibliographies at the end of his many fine articles.... Neusner himself offers a brilliant, highly original treatment of the Conservative Judaism in which he was trained....The illustrations are breathtaking and important."

Arnold Jacob Wolf, Review of Biblical Literature

“Collaboratively compiled and knowledgeably edited, The Encyclopedia of Judaism: Supplement 2, Volume 5 is the fifth volume of an academically respected and seminal reference series published by the Continuum International Publishing Group. The Encyclopedia of Judaism: Supplement 2, Volume 5 continues to uphold and enhance the scholarly reputation of this outstanding series and is an important addition to any academic or rabbinical studies reference collection”