Jewish Fact Finder: A bookful of important Torah facts and handy Jewish information

Can you name the 12 tribes of Israel? What are the 39 primary activities prohibited on Shabbos? Do you know the Hebrew word for “tree?”

One could study the Torah over a lifetime and have only mastered a fraction of God’s wisdom. However, if you’re looking for important Torah facts and handy Jewish information, “The Jewish Fact Finder” by Yaffe Ganz has it. First published by Feldheim Publishers more than 27 years ago, this revised handbook is a valuable tool aimed at building Jewish literacy.

Since its last printing in 1995, this guide has undergone a makeover. It’s still a slender book (4” X 9”) chock-full of information, but now it sports an attractive and colorful cover, 120 pages of significant information and easier-to-read chapters suited for any level of observance.

While this book does not include everything pertinent to your Jewish life nor does it explain particulars in tremendous detail – no book can do that – this guide has basic information every Jew should know. Facts about Judaism are presented in dozens of lists arranged into sections that include people in the Tanakh, blessings, measurements, the Ten Commandments, important historical dates, seasons, holidays, Israeli geography and common Hebrew words.

This is the kind of quick-reference guide perfect for every Jewish household that is designed to be right at your fingertips. For only $12.99, it is an ideal gift for students of every age, as well as parents and teachers.

KARA MARZIALI is the director of communications for the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island.