Books on the Jewish people

[Anonymous No.11840340]

Are there any good books that discuss the intellectual history of the Jewish people? I was listening to a lecture about them and learnt that a rabbi would stab a Torah and they of their students would be able to recite the entire page that the tip of the knife landed on. Also a heard a story that it was common for a 1st century 14 year old Jew to have memorized the entire Torah. Are there any books that talk about the history of the Jews specifically focusing on this area and not conspiratorial. Much appreciated thx.

[Anonymous No.11840544]

Have you tried a critique of critique?

[Anonymous No.11840550]

>>11840340
Mein Kampf

[Anonymous No.11840569]

>>11840340
you have to start with their works to understand them historically
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rabbinic_literature#Mishnaic_literature

[Anonymous No.11840878]

>>11840340
Unironically read the Old Testament. Then hit up the Union Haggadah. If you're still interested, go for the full Torah.

[Anonymous No.11841193]

>>11840878
>>11840569
I think you guys kinda didn't get the point of my OP. I'm not trying to specifically learn what Jews believe rather, I'm trying to study them as a people. Their culture, thinking and history. I don't mind works that may cite their religious texts but my main concern is how have they developed and created their way of thinking. I would also like something that touches on outside reactions to them. No nazi stuff.

[Anonymous No.11841200]

>>11841193
this youtube channel is pretty gud
https://www.youtube.com/user/hillelabramson

[Anonymous No.11841220]

>>11841200
Oh, neat! Thanks!

[Anonymous No.11841312]

>>11840340
unironically culture of critique
people have a knee-jerk reaction to it like they do with anything about jews that isn't a glowing adoration of them, but there's yet to be any kind of comprehensive or compelling refutation of what it talks about