[bdfh42]

jQuery is a brilliant tool for manipulating the DOM and for managing AJAX calls etc. etc.

However you can't truly master jQuery without also developing a thorough understanding on JavaScript. The alternative would be to construct a hodge podge of jQuery plugins and widgets to get things done - and then running into all the limitations, conflicts and outright bugs they will bring with them. [I have borrowed from such sources but have always needed to modify the code]. Much better to be able to write clear straightforward code of your own in JS - taking advantage of jQuery when it is an advantage of course.

Apart from anything else JS is a delight and learning how to use it will develop your programming skills.