Jews: The Essence and Character of a People - Softcover

Hertzberg, Arthur

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0060638354 ISBN 13: 9780060638351

Publisher: HarperOne, 1999

Synopsis

This book offers a new and startling perspective on how Jews relate to people of other traditions while also defining the challenge, responsibility, and essence of being a Jew in our time. Jews: The Essence and Character of a People defies the conventional view of Jews that has prevailed for centuries and presents a compelling and realistic portrait of contemporary Jews. This important book is sure to stimulate passionate debate among both Jews and non-Jews.

About this title

From the Publisher:

endorsements
"Rabbi Arthur Hertzberg's life of honor, education and compassion commands our attention whenever he speaks. Few people have communicated so consistently from the platform of their own convictions. If more people had Rabbi Hertzberg's courage, our divisions would diminish. If more people had his wisdom, our possibilities would expand." -Bill Bradley

"Arthur Hertzberg is one of the foremost experts of contemporary Jewish thought. His sharp wit and penetrating mind, his rabbinical acumen, his active involvement in all aspects of Jewish life, his strong commitment to Zionism and Israel--all combine to invest his writings with great authority. His previous book The Jews in America has become a classic and this present one will no doubt be hailed as the culmination of the author's many literary and scholarly achievements."-Justice Chaim Cohen, Deputy Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Isreal (retired)

"Arthur Hertzberg has one of America's most amazing minds. Whatever he writes is more than worth reading, it's a must for all who are interested in Judaism in general and American Jewry in particular."-Edgar M. Bronfman

From the Author:

A unique a very readable addition to literature about Jews.
"Jews" is a thoughtful look at the uniqueness of a people shaped by stunning encounters of all kinds--spiritual, human and most significantly, with their own relentless quest for self determination and self definition. The authors combine glimpes of the Jews' rich history with portraits of the people who shaped Jewish thought, adding vignettes from their own experiences. Both tradition and reform are encompassed in the authors' final plea for unity. I found this to be an engaging book, full of information and understanding of what it is to be Jewish.

About this edition

• Publisher: HarperOne
• Publication date: 1999
• ISBN 10: 0060638354
• ISBN 13: 9780060638351
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 322