Studies in Judaism, First Series

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Schechter, S. (Solomon), 1847-1915.

Language:

English

Physical Description:

1 online resource : multiple file formats

Place of Publication:

Salt Lake City, UT : Project Gutenberg,

Summary:

"Studies in Judaism, First Series" by Solomon Schechter is a collection of essays written in the early 20th century. This scholarly work explores various aspects of Jewish tradition, thought, and history, aiming to introduce English readers to significant figures and movements in Judaism. The essays touch on topics such as Chassidism, notable Jewish scholars like Nachman Krochmal and Rabbi Elijah Wilna, as well as broader theological concepts and practices within the Jewish community. The opening of the work sets the stage for an exploration of the Chassidim, a religious movement that emerged in Eastern Europe. Schechter details the origins of Chassidism, emphasizing its foundation by Israel Baalshem, known for his spiritual insights and teachings aimed at revitalizing Jewish life through emotional expressions of faith, in contrast to the then-dominant intellectualism of Rabbinic scholarship. He highlights Baalshem's background, his early experiences, and the formative influences that shaped his approach to Judaism, which sought to bring divine presence and fervor into the lives of ordinary Jews. The essays promise a deeper understanding of these dynamics and their historical contexts as the series unfolds. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Contents:

Preface

Introduction

The Chassidim

Nachman Krochmal and the "Perplexities of the time"

Rabbi Elijah Wilna, Gaon

Nachmanides

A Jewish Boswell

The dogmas of Judaism

The history of Jewish tradition

The doctrine of divine retribution in rabbinical literature

The law and recent criticism

The Hebrew collection of the British museum

Titles of Jewish books

The child in Jewish literature

Woman in temple and synagogue

The earliest Jewish community in Europe.

Notes:

Reading ease score: 56.6 (10th to 12th grade). Somewhat difficult to read.

Release date is 2015-05-06