With this heady exploration of time and space; rumors and silence; colors; tastes; and ideas; Robert Bonfil recreates the richness of Jewish life in Renaissance Italy. He also forces us to rethink conventional interpretations of the period; which feature terms like "assimilation" and "acculturation." Questioning the Italians' presumed capacity for tolerance and civility; he points out that Jews were frequently uprooted and persecuted; and where stable communities did grow up; it was because the hostility of the Christian population had somehow been overcome.After the ghetto was imposed in Venice; Rome; and other Italian cities; Jewish settlement became more concentrated. Bonfil claims that the ghetto experience did more to intensify Jewish self-perception in early modern Europe than the supposed acculturation of the Renaissance. He shows how; paradoxically; ghetto living opened and transformed Jewish culture; hastening secularization and modernization.Bonfil's detailed picture reveals in the Italian Jews a sensitivity and self-awareness that took into account every aspect of the larger society. His inside view of a culture flourishing under stress enables us to understand how identity is perceived through constant interplay—on whatever terms—with the Other.
#1828269 in Books 1977-02-07Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 7.95 x .43 x 5.43l; #File Name: 0520035100175 pages
Review
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful. Wonderful Study of Two Impressive DeitiesBy Devi SpringI have always had trouble relating to Krisha; even though I read many books; commentaries and scriptures about Him; attended a Vaisnava temple for many months; and spent numerous hours chanting His mantras in an attempt to crack the mystery of why this Deity is so ravenously popular. I enjoyed the stories of His pastimes; and greatly appreciated the art and iconography that surrounded Him - but the deeper implications were simply lost for some reason.This book really brought home to me WHY Krishna so captured the people's hearts; as it showed a completely different perspective on the energies inherant to His workship. While the familiar themes; of course; remained the same; Kinsley throws a new light on the matter that was fresh and much needed.As a Shakta; though; I obviously also adored the latter studies of Kali as well. They also bring up aspects and interpretations of Her worship that are not too commonly presented in other texts.While this book is an academic text; it is easy and enjoyable to read; and not at all dry.I highly recommend this book to any student of Hindu religion and spirituality; anyone wondering "what's the deal with Krishna"; or even "who is this Kali that everyone's talking about". Those who have a general intrest in world religions and mythology will eat this one up; too. Spiritual seekers who wish to expand their perspectives on how divinity can and is experienced by hundreds of million; and how the seeminly contradictory aspects of the divine can be embraced and adored will find this study an excellent read as well.18 of 18 people found the following review helpful. A scholarly yet very readable studyBy A CustomerThis book truly brings these two highly interesting Hindu dieties to life. Kinsley clearly illustrates the various truths each deity represents within the Hindu tradition. The reader is not only left well educated about Kali and Krishna but about the rich character of the Hindu religious tradition as a whole. Perhaps the most enjoyable book I've ever read concerning Hindu religion.11 of 11 people found the following review helpful. A wonderful study of two Hindu deitiesBy David FowlerKinsley's book is perhaps the most enjoyable work on Hinduism that I've ever had the pleasure to read. In it the author both explains the history of each deity and how they crystalize certain overarching truths of the Hindu worldview. The effect is both a complex understanding of Kali and Krishna's importance within Hinduism as well as a greater appreciation of Hinduism in its totality.
