Israelis and the Jewish tradition : an ancient people debating its future / David Hartman.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Hartman, David, 1931-

Series:

Terry lectures.

The Terry lectures

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Maimonides, Moses, 1135-1204.

Maimonides, Moses.

Judah, ha-Levi, active 12th century.

Judah.

Jews--Israel--Identity.

Jews.

Judaism--Israel.

Judaism.

Secularism--Israel.

Secularism.

Zionism--Philosophy.

Zionism.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (192 p.)

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

New Haven : Yale University Press, c2000.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

In this powerful book one of the most important Jewish thinkers in the world today grapples with issues that increasingly divide Israel's secular Jewish community from its religious Zionists. Addressing the concerns of both communities from the point of view of one who is deeply committed to religious pluralism, David Hartman suggests a more inclusive and inviting framework for the modern Israeli engagement of the Jewish tradition. He offers a new understanding of what it means to be Jewish-one which is neither assimilationist nor backward-looking, and one that enables different Jewish groups to celebrate their own traditions without demonizing or patronizing others. In a world polarized between religious and secular and caught within a sectarian denominationalism, Hartman shows the way to build bridges of understanding. The book explores the philosophies of two major Jewish thinkers of the Middle Ages, Yehuda Halevi and Moses Maimonides. A careful analysis of Maimonides' approach to Judaism shows that messianism is not the predominant organizing principle that makes Judaism intelligible and significant, Hartman contends. He argues against Halevi's triumphalism and in favor of using the Sinai covenant for evaluating the religious significance of Israel, for this approach gives meaning to Zionists' religious commitments while also empowering secular Israelis to reengage with the Jewish tradition.

Contents:

Front matter

The Dwight Harrington Terry Foundation Lectures on Religion in the Light of Science and Philosophy

Contents

Preface

CHAPTER ONE. Crisis and Tradition

CHAPTER TWO. The God of History in Yehuda Halevi

CHAPTER THREE. The Cosmic God in Maimonides

CHAPTER FOUR. Rabbinic Foundations of Maimonides' Thought

CHAPTER FIVE. Halakhic Sobriety and Inclusiveness

References

Index

Notes:

Bibliographic Level Mode of Issuance: Monograph

Includes bibliographical references (p. [167]-169) and index.

ISBN:

9786611730659

9781281730657

1281730653

9780300130515

0300130511

OCLC:

952732832