The Paradox of Anti-Semitism

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A&C Black, 2006 M05 10 - 242 pages
Arguably as anti-Semitism has diminished, the Jewish community has lost its way in the unceasing quest for social and political acceptance. The surprising thesis of this book (especially from the pen of a Rabbi) is that in the past anti-Semitism has in fact been a positive force in Jewish life. Now as a result of social acceptance, the Jewish community throughout the English-speaking world is undergoing a transformation. Jews have ceased to be dedicated to the Jewish heritage and the Jewish community is in chaos. No longer is Judaism a unified tradition, providing a solid foundation for the Jewish people. The book points to a series of historical examples illustrating the author's thesis- ways in which antipathy to Jews and Judaism stimulated Jewish life and growth.
 

Contents

Part I
17
The Threat of AntiSemitism
31
The Jewish Enlightenment and Reform
52
The Middle Way Conservative Judaism
73
Radical Judaism
93
Rejecting Judaism
112
Triumph and Despair
132
The Church and the Jews
150
The Inquisition and Secret Jews
166
Modern Hatred and Zionism
182
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About the author (2006)

Rabbi Professor Dan Cohn-Sherbok has a Ph.D. in theology from Cambridge University, UK, and an honorary doctorate in divinity from the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, USA. He is currently Emeritus Professor of Judaism, University of Wales: Honorary Professor, University of Aberstwyth: Visiting Professor at St Mary's University College and York St John University; and Visiting Research Fellow at Heythrop College, University of London. He has written numerous books, including The Paradox of Anti-Semitism, Dictionary of Jewish Biography, Atlas of Jewish History, Modern Judaism and Judaism Today.

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