The paradox of anti-semitism
Surveys antisemitism in Jewish history from the time of the Pharaohs to Hitler, to support the thesis that, despite its obvious character as an evil that must be opposed, antisemitism has had the positive value of aiding or even ensuring Jewish survival. Admits that people, including other rabbis, have referred to him as an antisemite for expressing such a view. Traces Christian antisemitism through the ages, while noting that Jew-hatred often stirred Jews' determination to adhere to their religion. Highlights the role of the Enlightenment in fostering Jewish assimilation, and fears that the lack of antisemitism today ("what is missing in contemporary society is Jew-hatred") may lead to the abandonment of Judaism. Includes a discussion of how early Zionist thinkers considered antisemitism as insurmountable and, hence, concluded that a Jewish state was the only answer to this situation. (From the Bibliography of the Vidal Sassoon International Center for the Study of Antisemitism)
History
xiv, 242 pages ; 21 cm
9780826488961, 9780826494030, 082648896X, 082649403X
69359984
pt. 1. The enlightenment and the disintegration of the Jewish way of life. Traditional Judaism
The threat of anti-semitism
Jewish emancipation and freedom
The Jewish Enlightenment and reform
Reforming Judaism
The middle way : Conservative Judaism
Reconstructing Judaism
Radical Judaism
Jewish assimilation
Rejecting Judaism
pt. 2. Anti-semitism and Jewish renewal. Biblical Judaism and the diaspora
Triumph and despair
Destruction of the Temple and rebirth
The church and the Jews
Jew-hatred and medieval christendom
The Inquisition and secret Jews
Massacre and the mystical Messiah
Modern hatred and Zionism
Jews, Arabs and the Jewish state
The holocaust and faith
Conclusion