The Jewish Political Tradition, Volume Two: Membership
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“The series to which this book belongs is unprecedented. . . . Every one of the chapters enacts a debate that should have a living resonance, not just for Jews, although obviously for them, but for everyone with a historical sense and a political conscience.”—Hilary Putnam, Boston Review “A vast and important resource which will be consulted for years to come by all interested in any aspect of Judaism and Jewish history.”—Ira Robinson, Journal of Religion & Culture (praise for the series) Library Journal The second volume in a proposed four-volume series (the first was Authority), this is essentially a collection of documents translated into English from Jewish political history, all revolving around the theme of what makes an individual a member of the Jewish people. The book examines models from biblical times to the present in six chapters that address such topics as gender hierarchy, converts, heretics, apostates, and how gentiles are viewed. Readers unfamiliar with the subject will be surprised by the passion with which many issues are argued. The medieval commentaries, for instance, are very sharp and incisive. There are many accessible books on Jewish history but far fewer on Jewish political thought-especially sound, scholarly volumes such as this. Edited by four research fellows from the Shalom Hartman Institute, this book is for the scholar and informed lay reader. Recommended for libraries with strong Jewish studies or religious thought collections.-Paul Kaplan, Lake Villa Dist. Lib., IL Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.
