A biochemist by profession; a polymath by inclination and erudition; Yeshayahu Leibowitz has been; since the early 1940s; one of the most incisive and controversial critics of Israeli culture and politics. His direct involvement; compelling polemics; and trenchant criticism have established his steadfast significance for contemporary Israeli-and Jewish- intellectual life. These hard-hitting essays; his first to be published in English; cover the ground Leibowitz has marked out over time with moral rigor and political insight. He considers the essence and character of historical Judaism; the problems of contemporary Judaism and Jewishness; the relationship of Judaism to Christianity; the questions of statehood; religion; and politics in Israel; and the role of women. Together these essays constitute a comprehensive critique of Israeli society and politics and a probing diagnosis of the malaise that afflicts contemporary Jewish culture. Leibowitz's understanding of Jewish philosophy is acute; and he brings it to bear on current issues. He argues that the Law; Halakhah; is essential to Judaism; and shows how; at present; separation of religion from state would serve the interest of halakhic observance and foster esteem for religion. Leibowitz calls the religious justification of national issues "idolatry" and finds this phenomenon at the root of many of the annexationist moves made by the state of Israel. Long one of the most outspoken critics of Israeli occupation in the conquered territories; he gives eloquent voice to his ongoing concern over the debilitating moral effects of its policies and practices on Israel itself. This translation will bring to an English-speaking audience a much-needed; lucid perspective on the present and future state of Jewish culture.
#162218 in Books Guelzo Allen C 2016-02-12Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 7.20 x .80 x 4.40l; .0 #File Name: 0674286111208 pagesRedeeming the Great Emancipator
Review
7 of 8 people found the following review helpful. Black and WhiteBy Christian SchlectThree lectures given at Harvard form this book by the thoughtful Lincoln scholar and social liberal; Professor Guelzo. I learned a good deal from the observations made about the difficulties faced by the reparations movement; one aimed at having the post-Civil War government "pay" for the system of black slavery. I also thought that the professor's spirited defense of the real and enduring importance of the Emancipation Proclamation was on target. Those interested in modern day race relations in America will profit from this book.These are college lectures and probably were better listened to; than here combined for reading. Some clunky sentences are scattered throughout. For example; the book closes with this penultimate sentence: "Only when we find ways in which we can live with each other in the innocence and lack of shame that is so manifest in children that the world which has come of age can avoid drowning in its own maturity of organization; greed; and hedonism."1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. LINCOLN: GREAT OR EVIL?By David George MooreLincoln brings forth both vilification and adulation. Guelzo is decidedly on the latter side and makes a good case for why in his latest book.Guelzo is among the top rank of Civil War historians (McPherson; Blight; Gallagher; Faust; Ayers; and Rable would be other names).Guelzo's book does a good job of laying out the case for why Lincoln had no other option; but war. It is a brutal conclusion; but Guelzo makes the undesirable decision make sense.There are fascinating sections throughout. One in particular are those pages dedicated to Lincoln's view and use of the Bible.As Guelzo underscores; Americans hate complexity. This book is a solid step in convincing the doubters that the Civil War for all its awful destruction was the only option to preserve the Union.A shout out to Harvard University Press for taking the time and effort to publish beautiful books!4 of 6 people found the following review helpful. Redeeming the progressive egalitarianBy Union65Professor Guelzo's book goes only so far in its redemption of Lincoln as Great Emancipator. Lincoln was more progressive on equality than depicted therein. Lincoln in 1858 was running against the territorial expansion of slavery; and before racist voters in Illinois. Lincoln never said blacks were inherently inferior. But; if he had advocated; or left unanswered charges of being for; full equality in 1858; he would most certainly have committed political suicide. Lincoln did state that the purpose of the Declaration of Independence is to "augment the happiness and value of life to all people; of all colors; everywhere." Colonization was always to be voluntary; Lincoln felt white prejudice so intractable that as President he urged black leaders to consider it. Colonization was abandoned as ventures failed; and African-Americans rejected it. President Lincoln approved of bills abolishing segregation on omnibuses in D.C.; for allowing black witnesses in federal courts; for equalizing penalties for the same crime; for equal pay for black soldiers. He welcomed; for the first time; an ambassador from Haiti; African-Americans picnicked on the White House grounds. He supported the activities of the Freedmen's Bureau. Frederick Douglass was "impressed with his entire freedom from popular prejudice against the colored race" after meeting with Lincoln three times in the White House; and in 1865 called him "emphatically the black man's president." On January 16; 1865; General Sherman issued Special Field Order No. 15; subsequent to a meeting; called by Lincoln's Secretary of War; Edwin Stanton; to ascertain from a group of African-American leaders of Savannah; Georgia; the needs of the community of the newly freed. The leaders mentioned land; and in an unprecedented and revolutionary action; the order confiscated 400;000 acres of coastal land in South Carolina and Florida; including Georgia's Sea Islands; for the use of families of freedmen. Lincoln had sent Stanton to Savannah to meet with Sherman over the issue of the planters' lands; and Lincoln approved S. F. #15 before it's issuance. President Andrew Johnson overturned #15 in the fall of 1865; and the new occupants of the lands were dispossessed. The Freedmen's Bureau; the creation of which Lincoln had supported; was given an extension by Congress in 1866; overriding Johnson's veto. When he visited occupied Richmond; President Lincoln took off his hat and returned the bow of an elderly black man--an act of equality noted by sullen white onlookers and the press alike. In what was to be his last public address; Lincoln called for public schooling for blacks; and for the vote for black soldiers and the well educated. John Wilkes Booth; in the crowd; seethed "that means n-- citizenship"; and vowed that the speech would be Lincoln's last.
