This is a book of many facets. It covers the development and complexity of Jewish Studies, especially as they evolved in German-speaking countries (Judaistik), illuminating Judaism as a religion and a culture in its sociology, literature, and philology. Jewish Studies are interdisciplinary and open-ended, they explore Jewish life throughout its long history. Their humanistic approach serves as a model in the global struggle against prejudice and may even help to establish the study of Islam as a discipline of topical importance.The study of Judaism is a precondition for the Jewish-Christian dialogue as it is theologically conceived in the wake of the Second Vatican Council.