Book Reviews: Judaism, Jews, Jewish History, Beliefs, Antisemitism
Judaism is one of the oldest religions still actively followed today. Judaism is basically the "parent" religion of Christianity, Islam, and the many religions which grew out of the two of them. Learning more about Judaism can, then, help one understand other religions as well. There are many books published each year dealing with Judaism, Jewish history and Jewish issues. Archived here are reviews of books which tend to take a skeptical or scholarly perspective on Judaism, past and present.
Changing Face of Anti-Semitism: From Ancient Times to the Present Day
Antisemitism has been a serious issue in Western culture for millennia. Although known in the ancient world, it became a significant aspect of Western culture because of Christianity; what started out as religious animus was eventually transformed into a pseudo-scientific bigotry against a so-called Jewish 'race.' The development of Antisemitism continues today on account of Israel and Zionism and people's criticism of those institutions.
Antisemitism has been a serious issue in Western culture for millennia. Although known in the ancient world, it became a significant aspect of Western culture because of Christianity; what started out as religious animus was eventually transformed into a pseudo-scientific bigotry against a so-called Jewish 'race.' The development of Antisemitism continues today on account of Israel and Zionism and people's criticism of those institutions.
Stalin's Last Crime: The Plot Against the Jewish Doctors
Everyone is at least vaguely aware of the fact that Joseph Stalin's brutal policies caused the arrests and deaths of untold numbers of innocent people during his dictatorial reign. The extent of his crimes are still coming to light, though, and we may never know all the details.
Everyone is at least vaguely aware of the fact that Joseph Stalin's brutal policies caused the arrests and deaths of untold numbers of innocent people during his dictatorial reign. The extent of his crimes are still coming to light, though, and we may never know all the details.
Presumed Guilty: How the Jews Were Blamed for the Death of Jesus
The relationship between Christianity and Judaism looms large in the background of both religions. This relationship has undeniably been horrible and caused incalculable suffering for the Jews. An important question for Christians is to what degree Christian misdeeds have been due to individual Christians and to what degree due to something fundamental within Christianity itself.
The relationship between Christianity and Judaism looms large in the background of both religions. This relationship has undeniably been horrible and caused incalculable suffering for the Jews. An important question for Christians is to what degree Christian misdeeds have been due to individual Christians and to what degree due to something fundamental within Christianity itself.
Many Religions, One Covenant: Israel, the Church, and the World
It's common to think of Christianity being grounded in the idea of having faith in God, but another and perhaps more accurate way of looking at it is to focus on a covenant with God. Faith is a one-way street while a covenant requires a two-way relationship, thus allowing for very different ways to conceptualize and understand Christianity as a religion.
It's common to think of Christianity being grounded in the idea of having faith in God, but another and perhaps more accurate way of looking at it is to focus on a covenant with God. Faith is a one-way street while a covenant requires a two-way relationship, thus allowing for very different ways to conceptualize and understand Christianity as a religion.
IBM and the Holocaust
The Holocaust merits special attention because of how modern science, technology, and bureaucracy were marshalled for the effort to eliminate the Jews in as efficient and complete a manner as possible. The Holocaust was coldly rational in a way that other slaughters have not been - and the Nazis benefitted from modern corporate culture in ways that others have not since.
The Holocaust merits special attention because of how modern science, technology, and bureaucracy were marshalled for the effort to eliminate the Jews in as efficient and complete a manner as possible. The Holocaust was coldly rational in a way that other slaughters have not been - and the Nazis benefitted from modern corporate culture in ways that others have not since.
Holocaust Theology: A Reader
One of the most effective arguments against the existence of God tends to be the Argument from Evil - if a loving God exists, how can so much evil also exist in the world? Perhaps the greatest evil which can be used as an example in that argument is the Holocaust, where 'God's chosen people' were slaughtered by the millions.
One of the most effective arguments against the existence of God tends to be the Argument from Evil - if a loving God exists, how can so much evil also exist in the world? Perhaps the greatest evil which can be used as an example in that argument is the Holocaust, where 'God's chosen people' were slaughtered by the millions.
The Jewish Messiahs: From the Galilee to Crown Heights
Judaism and the concept of a messiah are closely linked in many people's minds, but that link exists for reasons most people are not aware of. For many, the linkage occurs because of the belief that Jesus Christ was the awaited Messiah, sent by God to his chosen people, the Jews. But this is a belief held, by definition, only by Christians - it is not shared by Jews or Muslims.
Judaism and the concept of a messiah are closely linked in many people's minds, but that link exists for reasons most people are not aware of. For many, the linkage occurs because of the belief that Jesus Christ was the awaited Messiah, sent by God to his chosen people, the Jews. But this is a belief held, by definition, only by Christians - it is not shared by Jews or Muslims.
The Palestine-Israeli Conflict: A Beginner's Guide
Few people are unaware of the violence which is currently plaguing the Middle East today, especially the violence which keeps occurring between Israelis and Palestinians. At times, it threatens to engulf not only the surrounding nations, but the rest of the world as well. Yet why is this happening - what are the causes, and are there any solutions?
Few people are unaware of the violence which is currently plaguing the Middle East today, especially the violence which keeps occurring between Israelis and Palestinians. At times, it threatens to engulf not only the surrounding nations, but the rest of the world as well. Yet why is this happening - what are the causes, and are there any solutions?
Postville: A Clash of Cultures in Heartland America
In theory, Americans pride themselves and their country on the tolerance shown towards outsiders and religious minorities. This ideal of tolerance is exalted even further by those who advocate multiculturalism. This is a nation of immigrants, after all, and many of those came here seeking religious freedom. Reality, however, is a different story - it is also the story of a town named Postville.
In theory, Americans pride themselves and their country on the tolerance shown towards outsiders and religious minorities. This ideal of tolerance is exalted even further by those who advocate multiculturalism. This is a nation of immigrants, after all, and many of those came here seeking religious freedom. Reality, however, is a different story - it is also the story of a town named Postville.
Oberammergau: The Troubling Story...
In the German village of Oberammergau, both theater and life intermingle to the point where it has become difficult to tell which is which - and in more ways than one. Here we have the oldest continuous staging of a "Passion Play" - the drama of Jesus' arrest, crucifixion, and resurrection.
In the German village of Oberammergau, both theater and life intermingle to the point where it has become difficult to tell which is which - and in more ways than one. Here we have the oldest continuous staging of a "Passion Play" - the drama of Jesus' arrest, crucifixion, and resurrection.
A Rumor About the Jews: Reflections on Antisemitism
The Protocols of the Learned Elders of Zion was a forged pamphlet, probably created by the secret police of Imperial Russia in the late 1890's. What it attacked was not simply Jews but in fact the entire project of the Enlightenment - religious diversity, freedom, toleration, and social progress.
The Protocols of the Learned Elders of Zion was a forged pamphlet, probably created by the secret police of Imperial Russia in the late 1890's. What it attacked was not simply Jews but in fact the entire project of the Enlightenment - religious diversity, freedom, toleration, and social progress.
Jews and the American Public Square: Debating Religion
Jews in America have played a crucial role in the development of the American understanding of the separation of church and state. They have been involved in test-case litigation, filing amicus curiae briefs, and influencing legal scholarship. How and why has this role developed, and how do Jews themselves perceive it?
Jews in America have played a crucial role in the development of the American understanding of the separation of church and state. They have been involved in test-case litigation, filing amicus curiae briefs, and influencing legal scholarship. How and why has this role developed, and how do Jews themselves perceive it?
Jews Without Judaism
What does it mean to be Jewish? Is "Jewish" necessarily intertwined with "Judaism," or are the two entirely separate? Can a person really be "Jewish" without also being religious - or indeed, without even believing in the existence of God? Is it possible to be a nontheistic, humanistic Jew?
What does it mean to be Jewish? Is "Jewish" necessarily intertwined with "Judaism," or are the two entirely separate? Can a person really be "Jewish" without also being religious - or indeed, without even believing in the existence of God? Is it possible to be a nontheistic, humanistic Jew?
The Holocaust and Antisemitism: A Short History
Antisemitism has been an unfortunate and destructive aspect of Western culture for millennia. Of course, every culture has had its hatreds and despised groups, but antisemitism differs from most in the sense that it not only dehumanizes Jews, but also demonizes them. In addition to being separated from the rest of society, they are also made the worst enemies of society.
Antisemitism has been an unfortunate and destructive aspect of Western culture for millennia. Of course, every culture has had its hatreds and despised groups, but antisemitism differs from most in the sense that it not only dehumanizes Jews, but also demonizes them. In addition to being separated from the rest of society, they are also made the worst enemies of society.
Zaddik: The Battle for a Boy's Soul
Are religious communities above the law? Should religious minorities be permitted to follow the demands of their beliefs, even when those demands conflict with other moral principles which society wishes to enforce? Apparently, some would offer an unqualified "yes" to those questions.
Are religious communities above the law? Should religious minorities be permitted to follow the demands of their beliefs, even when those demands conflict with other moral principles which society wishes to enforce? Apparently, some would offer an unqualified "yes" to those questions.
Popes Against the Jews
Just what role, if any, did the Roman Catholic Church play in the development of anti-semitism during the modern era? This is a serious question, because the answer to it also helps us answer the question of what sort of culpability the Roman Catholic Church has for the eventual Holocaust and deaths of millions of Jews.
Just what role, if any, did the Roman Catholic Church play in the development of anti-semitism during the modern era? This is a serious question, because the answer to it also helps us answer the question of what sort of culpability the Roman Catholic Church has for the eventual Holocaust and deaths of millions of Jews.