The Passover and its rite are central in the history of Judaism and Christianity. Explaining hot the Passover evening celebration; the seder; became one of the most popular Jewish rituals; Baruch M. Bokser shows how it was based on and transformed a biblical sacrificial meal. Bokser demonstrates the significance of the motif of Passover inb ancient Judaism; indicating why Jews and Christians employted it to express hopes for redemption. And he also illuminates the process of historical development through the interaction of a traditional heritage with contemporaryand outside cultural influences. This is a fascinating book which will add much to our understanding of Judaism and Christianity and of the nature of religion in a changing world.
#1441177 in Books Hackett Pub Co Inc 2006-03-15Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.25 x 5.50 x .75l; .85 #File Name: 0872207471328 pages
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Thomas;we hardly knew yaBy arthur bannerThis slim volume consists of the writings of Thomas Jefferson; edited by Jean Yarbrough. Jean Yarbrough is a Professor of Government at Bowdoin College. Although this volume is assigned reading for her course on American political thought; it can stand alone. For those who make the effort to read it carefully; expect to be rewarded not only with an intimate knowledge of this fascinating man; but with an approach to scholarly study and the satisfaction of achieving an understanding of Thomas Jefferson for yourself.The book begins with a splendid introduction. One can consider the introduction as a good secondary source on Jefferson; or solely as a road map to the writings. Regardless of how one regards it; it would be a mistake to ignore it. It is best used in an interactive fashion; going back and forth from the introduction to the writings. In this fashion one learns the craft of historical research. If one reads only the introduction; one learns to be a good student but when combined with the primary sources; one becomes a scholarFollowing the introduction is a compilation of Jefferson's writings. These writings represent a small sample of his efforts; and the book is thus termed The Essential Jefferson. Jefferson was a poor speaker and his legacy consisted of his voluminous writings. This book contains many of his Public Papers and Addresses; Excerpts from Notes on Virginia and his correspondences.Reading Jefferson's writings is tough going. The syntax is awkward; and much of the vocabulary is archaic; unusual or used in a unique manner. To help the reader plow through these obstacles; there are copious footnotes on nearly every page; which translate the vocabulary into more familiar English or explain political or historic events. Although many of us are in the habit of skipping over footnotes; ignore these at your own peril. It is as if the editor could read your mind as you struggle to read the material. The manner by which these footnotes came about is explained in the Acknowledgments and it tells you something about the editor and the relationship she enjoyed with her students. It appears that Professor Yarbrough realized that only a student would have the insights into the problems of his colleagues. Thus she gave the manuscript to selected students who added these footnotes to aid the reader. These efforts make this volume a unique contribution to Jefferson scholarship..The writings begin with the Public Papers. These documents provide witness to the progression and maturation of Jefferson from the angry; rebellious young man as depicted in The Summary View in 1774 and the Declaration of Independence; in 1776; to the more mature politician and legislator writing a Bill for Establishing Religious Freedom in Virginia just one year later. These beliefs are then reiterated in the address to the Danbury Baptists in 1798. It is in this document that he coins the phrase a "wall of separation between church and state." In the Kentucky Resolutions in 1798 he argues for nullification and limitations on central authority; the core belief of his political philosophy. We then go on to his presidential years. In his first inaugural address we witness a temperate man; extoling compromise and conciliation: "We are all Republicans. We are all Federalists." In this address; he defines America and celebrates how it differs from other nations. He praises the goal of peace and the need to avoid entangling alliances; a phrase often attributed incorrectly to George Washington. The second Inaugural address is different. We hear a man; matured by office; sure of his accomplishments; yet wounded by political infighting and criticism. We find him cynical and defensive; railing against the press. The book follows with Jefferson's Notes on Virginia; the only book he ever published. Here; he responds to Queries from a Frenchman curious about America. Jefferson lays out important philosophical issues such as slavery; religious freedom and agrarian virtue. The book concludes with a compilation of his correspondence arranged in chronological order rather than by themes. However; each letter is followed by a short phrase; placed by the editor; in an effort to orient the reader as to its content and importance. Although these letters are directed at specific individuals; these people appear to serve as surrogates for Jefferson himself. It is in these letters that we witness his deepest; philosophical concerns. The persona of Jefferson seems to emerge from these letters.The book deals with a number of issues; most importantly the matter of virtue and the impact of slavery on the American character. In the Declaration of Independence; Jefferson echoes John Locke when he explains that "all men are created equal and endowed by their creator with inalienable rights of life; liberty and the pursuit of happiness;" Yet Jefferson broke with Locke over the issue of happiness. Locke equated happiness with property and his pursuit of virtue was basically one of self-interest. Jefferson introduces the idea that happiness results from the pursuit of virtue which stems from morality; a trait placed in the hearts of men at birth. In his letter to his nephew Peter Carr; he proposed the notion that morality is God given. Although these notions seem rather fanciful; it is worth noting that inborn morality has been scientifically proven by Paul Bloom at Yale who has identified a moral sense in very young infants; so young that this sense must have been present at birth.A major concern of Jefferson his whole life was the issue of slavery. As early as the first draft of the Declaration of Independence; he condemned slavery as a sin of the British transplanted to America. In 1782; in Query XVIII; from Notes on Virginia; he was concerned about the corrosive effects of slavery on American virtue: "I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just." But it is clear that in regards to slavery; Jefferson was caught in a moral dilemma. He could not accept slavery as morally justified; yet he dared not eliminate it: "We have the wolf by the ears; and we can neither hold him safely nor to let him go." A belief in opposing values subjects one to cognitive dissonance which is an uncomfortable feeling that one learns to live with. Jefferson left the uncomfortable problem of slavery to the next generation. Near the end of his life he wrote a letter to Samuel Kercheval; counseling us that each generation must decide its own priorities: "manners and opinions change with the circumstances; institutions must advance also and keep pace with the times."What is to be said about Jefferson's legacy? In the Introduction Professor Yarbrough deals with this issue; but only briefly; as if she wanted to stay clear of political issues. Indeed; the issue of his legacy is mixed. Today; we profit from religious freedom and Jefferson's belief in limited government protects us from tyranny. His condemnation of an over reaching executive; and his insistence on separation of powers is the bedrock of our national polity. On the other hand his procrastination in dealing with slavery and his belief in nullification and the necessity for periodic bloody rebellion set the stage for the Civil War. But overall; we profit from his steady hand and basic goodness at the birth of the nation.We have much to learn about Jefferson and there is no better way to learn it than to read his words; uncensored and unedited but guided by a true scholar and critical thinker like Jean Yarbrough. Her strategy of footnote translations and minimal annotation makes the writings of Jefferson accessible. These efforts are so unobtrusive that we hardly notice. The magic of the book is that we learn from it; but are unaware that we are being taught.I recommend this book highly; not as recreational reading; but as a book to be studied and valued as a source to better understand the values which are the foundation of our political ideology.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. If Jefferson was alive today and observing the degeneration of ...By Jim5£zrpIf Jefferson was alive today and observing the degeneration of American politics; he would start a revolution. He had a clear view of a government of the people and by the people...far from current party and dollar politics such as we see today. All Americans should read it...or a version in todays language.
