The study of Judaism : authenticity, identity, scholarship / Aaron W. Hughes.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Hughes, Aaron W., 1968-

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Judaism.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (172 p.)

Place of Publication:

Albany, New York : SUNY Press, [2013]

Language Note:

English

Summary:

The relationship between Jewish studies and religious studies is a long and complicated one, full of tensions and possibilities. Whereas the majority of scholars working within Jewish studies contend that the discipline is in a very healthy state, many who work in theory and method in religious studies disagree. For them, Jewish studies represents all that is wrong with the modern academic study of religion: too introspective, too ethnic, too navel-gazing, and too willing to reify or essentialize data that it constructs in its own image. In this book, Aaron W. Hughes explores the unique situation of Jewish studies and how it intersects with religious studies, noting particular areas of concern for those interested in the field's intellectual health and future flourishing. Hughes provides a detailed study of origins, principles, and assumptions, documenting the rise of Jewish studies in Germany and its migration to Israel and the United States. Current issues facing the academic study of Judaism are discussed, including the role of private foundations that seek inroads into the academy.

Contents:

Authenticity, identity, scholarship

Encountering tradition: the search for a Jewish essence

Imagining Judaism: scholar, community, identity

Take ancient Judaism for example: five case studies

Private foundations encounter Judaism

Future prospects.

Notes:

Description based upon print version of record.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Description based on print version record.

ISBN:

9781461943174

1461943175

9781438448633

1438448635

OCLC:

857769704