The main point delivered by this book is that Jews living in Germany during the Middle Ages developped a dynamic and variegated culture which should be recognized as a constituent of European and German medieval religiosity. The esoterics; mystics and pietists who produced works like those analyzed in this volume derived their inspiration from the traditional Jewish texts; but were also part of the world they lived in; despite the seclusions enforced by the religious prejudices of the time. The esoterical-mystical phenomena described were to a very large extent an original development in central-European Jewry; and constitute one of their most important contributions to Jewish culture as a whole. In some cases; a spiritual atmosphere reminiscent of early Protestant sects; which were to appear in the same regions three centuries later; can be discerned. Some of these texts influenced the Christian kabbalists of the sixteenth century; like Johannes Reuchlin and others. This is a major spiritual phenomenon which has been completely neglected until now; and it is hoped that this volume will contribute to a new appreciation of this aspect of European creativity in the Middle Ages.
#3078590 in Books Ingramcontent 2016-10-26Original language:English 9.02 x .55 x 5.98l; #File Name: 1945338164240 pagesCarolina Sunrise
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Gem of a book! Carolina Sunrise is a must read for lovers of the South Carolina Lowcountry.By ElizabethCarolina Sunrise is a gem of a book. Simultaneously; this volume both instructs and delights the reader. It is informative and entertaining; both serious and light-hearted. For it is; after all; a story. A story of a land and its people from the earliest days of known inhabitants and; like all stories or good yarns; it has twists and turns; and no shortage of surprises.The author divides the book skillfully into four segments; the first segment sets the stage for the action; so to speak. Each of the following three features one group of early settlers to the Carolina Lowcountry: The English; the Africans and the French. He illustrates how the arrival of colonists from Europe and Africa and their impact is still felt today; their imprint upon this new land was indelible. Mr. Tisdale uses easily personal stories to demonstrate this influence several hundred years later - as seen in customs; cuisine; architecture and religion. There is a wealth of information about the land itself: the ocean; the rivers; the soil; and the plantings. Even the cover photographs feature the rising sun illuminating the beach; as if welcoming visitors into this land touched by the tide of people who have come for over 300 years.The reader is led to understand how the natural landscape shaped the lives of those people who settled the early days in a virgin land. Again; the author uses societal customs of today to bring the reader to the realization that Carolina is a blend of those who brought the best of their homeland to their new home and jettisoned other practices. Mr. Tisdale makes his point as well that economic struggles brought practices employed during those early days; some of which were extreme; harsh and difficult to handle. But just as economic conditions today dictate how commerce proceeds; so it was then; as the immigrant settlers tried to forge a life and a living under the economy that met them.If one thinks history is dull; then Carolina Sunrise will prove that theory wrong. The author injects humorous and fascinating stories of colorful characters who make up the fabric of this place called South Carolina. If the reader enjoys history of both a land and its inhabitants; then Carolina Sunrise will not disappoint. If he is drawn to the local flavor of the Carolina Lowcounty; then stories of the colorful people who have called the area "home" for generations will delight. And if he enjoys reading a well-turned phrase; then he will read Carolina Sunrise quite possibly more than once.There is a depth that draws the reader in over and over - much like the natural beauty of the land. Coupled with the charm of the inhabitants; this combination holds the reader throughout the book. Carolina Sunrise is a "must read" for lovers of the South Carolina Lowcountry.Reviewed and Written by:Lady N. HodgesEdgefield; SCCarolina Sunrise
