Part of the Jewish Encounter seriesTaking in everything from the Kingdom of David to the Oslo Accords; Ruth Wisse offers a radical new way to think about the Jewish relationship to power. Traditional Jews believed that upholding the covenant with God constituted a treaty with the most powerful force in the universe; this later transformed itself into a belief that; unburdened by a military; Jews could pursue their religious mission on a purely moral plain. Wisse; an eminent professor of comparative literature at Harvard; demonstrates how Jewish political weakness both increased Jewish vulnerability to scapegoating and violence; and unwittingly goaded power-seeking nations to cast Jews as perpetual targets.Although she sees hope in the State of Israel; Wisse questions the way the strategies of the Diaspora continue to drive the Jewish state; echoing Abba Eban's observation that Israel was the only nation to win a war and then sue for peace. And then she draws a persuasive parallel to the United States today; as it struggles to figure out how a liberal democracy can face off against enemies who view Western morality as weakness. This deeply provocative book is sure to stir debate both inside and outside the Jewish world. Wisse's narrative offers a compelling argument that is rich with history and bristling with contemporary urgency.
#38386 in Books Nahum M Sarna 1970-01-13 1970-01-13Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.01 x .66 x 5.20l; .71 #File Name: 0805202536267 pagesUnderstanding Genesis
Review
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful. A ClassicBy Ventura DThis book displays excellent scholarship; yet it is very easy and informative to read. Sarna compares and contrasts the Israelite theological views with those of their polytheistic neighbors; taking into account works such as the Gilgamesh Epic and Enuma Elish. E. A. Speiser's "Genesis" (Volume 1 of the Anchor Bible published in 1964) covers similar ground in the sections following his translation; but in a briefer; more text critical and historical critical way. Sarna takes a broader view on the subject. Because of its 1966 publication date; Sarna's book doesn't reflect the more recent archaeological data such as that covered by Finkelstein and Silberman in "The Bible Unearthed".There are a good index; an extensive bibliography; and many chapter notes. Nevertheless; the book is delightfully easy to read. I withheld the fifth star because of the date of publication and my preference for Speiser's work; yet I felt rewarded and informed by reading Sarna's book. However; Christian fundamentalists probably wouldn't like it.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. FantasticBy JJBBoneThis book is deeply fascinating; filled with information and insight I had never been exposed to before. I you love studying all aspects of Genesis; this author is brilliant; learned; and very accessible.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Fundamental to the Correct Understanding of GenesisBy Divine DoctorAnything by Professor Sarna is a must read! His Understanding Genesis has become an instant classic. I cannot recommend it highly enough. His Exploring Exodus; is the next must read.
