Jewish thought : an introduction / Oliver Leaman.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Leaman, Oliver, 1950-

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Jewish philosophy.

Judaism--History of doctrines.

Judaism.

Judaism--Essence, genius, nature.

Judaism--Relations.

Relations.

Physical Description:

xxii, 177 pages ; 24 cm

Place of Publication:

New York : Routledge, [2006]

Summary:

This is a fresh and contemporary introduction to the Jewish faith, its philosophies and world views. Written by a leading figure in the field, it explores debates which have preoccupied Jewish thinkers over the centuries and examines their continuing influence in contemporary Judaism.

Jewish Thought surveys the central controversies in Judaism, including the protracted arguments within the religion itself. Topics range from the relations between Judaism and other religions, such as Islam and Christianity, to contemporary issues such as sex and gender, and modernity. Central themes such as authority and obedience, the relations between Jewish and Greek thought, and the position and status of the State of Israel are also considered. The debates are further illuminated by reference to the Bible, as a profoundly realistic text in describing the long interaction between the Jews, their ancestors and God, as well as discussions about major thinkers, and passages from the ancient texts: the Mishnah, Talmud and Midrash.

Contents:

Jews and the Bible

The commentatorial tradition : Mishnah and Talmud

Jews versus Greeks

Jews versus Christians

Jews versus Muslims

Written Law versus Oral Law

Philosophers versus kabbalists

The ideal versus the real

The intellectual versus the natural

The "norm" versus the "deviant" : sex and gender in Judaism

Orthodoxy versus Reform

How special are the Jews?

The future of Judaism versus Jewish futures.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages [164]-169) and index.

ISBN:

0415374251

041537426X

0203087186

OCLC:

64084436

Online:

Publisher description