"In Crossroads to Islam, Yehuda Nevo and Judith Koren offer a controversial exploration of the early history of Islam, presenting a revolutionary theory of the origins and development of the Islamic state and religion from the early 7th to the mid-8th century C.E. Many Western scholars recognize the difficulties of accepting the validity, as historical evidence, of the huge body of Muslim literature, with its detailed account of the rise of Islam in the Arabian Peninsula and the subsequent, religiously inspired invasion of the settled lands beyond; for this literature only started to be written 150 years after the period it purports to describe. But until now, there was little with which to replace it. Nevo and Koren examine in detail the available contemporary evidence, most of which has not been seriously taken into account by most historians of early Islam. It includes official documents and inscriptions of the early Arab State; archaeological excavations and artifacts; legends on coins; and hundreds of Arabic rock inscriptions." "Based on their analysis of this evidence. Nevo and Koren outline a rethinking of the early history of Islam. They argue that the Byzantine Empire withdrew before the Arab Takeover; that the resulting power vacuum led to competition among local Arab chiefs to widen their sphere of control; and that Mu'awiyah was the first historical caliph. They document the evidence that the Arabs were initially pagan and trace the development of Islam from a simple "Indeterminate Monotheism," adopted by Mu'awiyah, to the Muslim faith of the late 2nd century A.H. ("after the bijra": the Muslim era, which counts from 622 C.E., year Muhammad fled to Madinah according to the Muslim sources), in which period they also place the canonization of the Qur'an. The origin of the Arab Prophet, introduced by the caliph 'Abd al-Malik around 690 C.E., is another central issue addressed by the authors' new theory."--Jacket

Music and religion have, throughout history, walked hand in hand. In the rites and rituals of small tribal religions, great world religions, and more recent New-Age and neo-heathen movements, different kinds of music have been used to celebrate the gods, express belief and help believers get in contact with the divine. This innovative book focuses on how mainstream and counter-cultural groups use religion and music to negotiate the challenges of modernisation and globalisation in the European context: a region under-explored by existing literature on the subject. With its internal ethnic diversity, ever-expanding borders and increasing differentiation, Europe has undergone massive dislocation in recent years. The authors show that, in the midst of such change, rock, pop and dance music may in their various forms be used by their practitioners as resources for new kinds of spiritual and religious identification, even as these forms are used as symbols of the deficiencies of secular society. Focusing on Christianity, Judaism, Islam and New Religious Movements, the book explores such topics as Norwegian Black Metal and Neo-paganism, contemporary Jewish Music in the UK, the French hip hop scene, the musical thinking of Muslim convert Cat Stevens/Yusuf Islam and European dance music culture. It offers an ideal introduction to leading-edge thinking at the exciting interface of 'music and religion'.

America's foremost scholar on formative Judaism examines the issue of gender as it appears in the corpus of rabbinic literature and arrives at some provocative conclusions. While the structure of Judaism based on the dual Torah is clearly masculine in orientation, the substructure--the religious system that shapes its values and perception--is androgynous, an individual conjunction of genders. In fact, the higher values, as defined by the relevant writings, prove to be feminine.

The question of the origins of Christianity is a theme still discussed in historical research. This book investigates the relations between the Rabbinic Judaism and the Primitive Christianity. It studies the factors of influences, the polemics in the texts and factors of mutual conceptions between two new movements: Rabbinical Judaism and Primitive Christianity. Finally it offers an analysis of the perception of Christianity in the corpus of talmudic literature. La question des origines du christianisme est un thème encore débattu par la recherche historique. Cet ouvrage choisi dexplorer les relations entre le judaïsme rabbinique et le christianisme primitif. Il étudie les facteurs dinfluences, les polémiques dont témoignent les textes et les emprunts réciproques entre les deux mouvements naissant : le judaïsme rabbinique et le christiansime primitif. Il propose également une analyse sur la perception du christianisme à loeuvre dans la littérature talmudique.

Here is a sustained criticism of the "rather facile use" of rabbinic literature by New Testament scholarship. In particular, Neusner addresses the writings of Helmut Koester, Samuel Sandmel, Reginald Fuller, Harvey Falk, Geza Vermes, E.P. Sanders, S.J.D. Cohen, Morton Smith, John P. Meier, and Brad H. Young. The book begins with a study of the characteristics of rabbinic literature and a demonstration of why this literature cannot be easily used for the kind of history New Testament scholarship proposes to produce. Then follow critiques of the writings by various New Testament scholars and the differences between Professor Neusner and his critics. A concluding section pays tribute to the New Testament field for all it has taught the author.

". . . a remarkable book. . . . A most penetrating study of education."--Saturday Review of Literature". . . an admirable defense of the critical mind in education . . . Sidney Hook is among the the Children of the Light, that is to say, of the Enlightenment."--Albert Guerard, New York Herald Tribune". . . Mr. Hook has put his finger . . . upon the profound fallacy of most of the current attempts to 'reorganize' higher education . . . exciting reading"--Howard Mumford Jones, New York Times". . . needed by anyone who wishes to have a comprehensive view of the problems of modern education."--Wendell Johnson, Chicago Sun"Sidney Hook brings . . . a new high standard of sanity and clarity. . . . For sheer excellence of logic, and for magic of comprehensiveness, the book is head and shoulders above all recent competitors."--William Randel, St. Louis Post-Dispatch". . . a fine book . . . it has the advantage of Mr. Hook's dissecting mind, operating with the cleanness of a surgical instrument."--Jerome Nathanson, The New Republic"Wisely sane."--John Dewey

Rabbinic literature is viewed here as an expression of the concepts of the Rabbis, creative concepts that canalized their thinking. This book is concerned chiefly with the wider aspects of the rabbinic mind. It discusses such problems as the transmission of social values, the integration of the self, and the relation of the self to society. It treats such topics as the category of significance, indeterminacy of belief, normal mysticism, the commonplace and the holy, rabbinic dogma, and the relation of rabbinic thought to philosophy. The sources on which these discussions are based are drawn from both the Haggadah and the Halakah.

""The Ten Commandments"" by Joseph Lewis is an in-depth exploration of the origins and significance of the Decalogue, also known as the Ten Commandments. The book delves into the historical and cultural context in which the commandments were first given, and examines their relevance to modern society as a code of conduct. Lewis analyzes each of the commandments individually, exploring their ethical and moral value and providing insights into how they can be applied in contemporary life. The book also addresses questions of interpretation and translation, and offers a critical examination of the role of religion in shaping moral values. Overall, ""The Ten Commandments"" is a thought-provoking and informative study of one of the most enduring and influential texts in Western civilization.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.

Menaḥem Mendel Schneerson (1902-1994) was the seventh and seemingly last Rebbe of the Habad-Lubavitch dynasty. Marked by conflicting tendencies, Schneerson was a radical messianic visionary who promoted a conservative political agenda, a reclusive contemplative who built a hasidic sect into an international movement, and a man dedicated to the exposition of mysteries who nevertheless harbored many secrets. Schneerson astutely masked views that might be deemed heterodox by the canons of orthodoxy while engineering a fundamentalist ideology that could subvert traditional gender hierarchy, the halakhic distinction between permissible and forbidden, and the social-anthropological division between Jew and Gentile. While most literature on the Rebbe focuses on whether or not he identified with the role of Messiah, Elliot R. Wolfson, a leading scholar of Jewish mysticism and the phenomenology of religious experience, concentrates instead on Schneerson's apocalyptic sensibility and his promotion of a mystical consciousness that undermines all discrimination. For Schneerson, the ploy of secrecy is crucial to the dissemination of the messianic secret. To be enlightened messianically is to be delivered from all conceptual limitations, even the very notion of becoming emancipated from limitation. The ultimate liberation, or true and complete redemption, fuses the believer into an infinite essence beyond all duality, even the duality of being emancipated and not emancipated--an emancipation, in other words, that emancipates one from the bind of emancipation. At its deepest level, Schneerson's eschatological orientation discerned that a spiritual master, if he be true, must dispose of the mask of mastery. Situating Habad's thought within the evolution of kabbalistic mysticism, the history of Western philosophy, and Mahayana Buddhism, Wolfson articulates Schneerson's rich theology and profound philosophy, concentrating on the nature of apophatic embodiment, semiotic materiality, hypernomian transvaluation, nondifferentiated alterity, and atemporal temporality.

"In his study of Philo Mr. Bentwich has done good service by demonstrating this characteristically Jewish combination of qualities in the spirit of the great Alexandrine, and by vindicating the claim of Philo to rank among the great teachers of Judaism." -The Jewish Review "Philo, the chief light of Hellenistic Judaism, by a strange fate was rejected and forgotten by his own people, while he was taken up by the Christians and almost adopted as one of their own. This difference of attitude towards him on the part of Jews and Christians is easily explained. Philo was alien in spirit to the narrow rabbinical Judaism which became universal among the Jews in the second century after Christ, and hence was suspected as unorthodox and put under the ban. On the other hand, his philosophy and exegetical method appealed to the early Fathers, especially those of the Alexandrian school, and even much of his religious teaching was more in sympathy with Christian than with later Jewish thought. In modern times, however, Jewish sentiment towards this illustrious coreligionist has undergone considerable change. In the volume before us Mr. Norman Bentwich has undertaken to make him better known among his own people, and to remove any prejudice that might still exist against him by showing that, after all, he was a true Jew. Though the work is written for Jews, and, as the author frankly tells us, from a Jewish standpoint, by reason of its subject it is likely to attract also some Gentile readers." -America "Having specialized in Jewish history and literature, Mr. Bentwich was eminently fitted to undertake the work on Hellenism. It is this movement in Judaism which Mr. Bentwich has set himself to describe. During the last two or three centuries before the common era the Jewish people came in close contact with the Greek-speaking world, and naturally, could not entirely escape its influence. Greek thought prevailed throughout the Eastern world, and Hellenism, or the culture of Greece, for which Hellas is the older name, dominated the intellectual activity of men. Although the Jews were always opposed to foreign influences which conflicted with their mode of thinking, the Greek culture nevertheless penetrated Jewish life in one way or another....The struggle of Judaism with Hellenistic culture marks one of the most fundamental conflicts in the march of civilization, and as a result, Hellenistic Judaism is one of the most remarkable contributions to Jewish genius to the world's thought....The author treats this subject from the Jewish point of view. Others are chiefly interested in the relation of Hellenism to Christianity. The school of writers contrast the broad universalism of Hellenistic Judaism with the supposed narrow legalism of the Pharisees which eventually prevailed in Palestine. Mr. Bentwich combats this attitude. The present volume is popular in character and the author has not refrained from pointing out parallels in modern Jewish life....Mr. Bentwich apart from giving historical descriptions of the various phases of Hellenism in Palestine and in the Diaspora, fully describes the literature produced by the Jews during that period. He graphically and minutely describes the life and works of Philo, Josephus and other important Jewish writers. He gives a fine resume of the wisdom of Ben Sira and also, deals with the influence of the Septuagint and the attitude of the Jewish Rabbis toward it. The book will appeal to the cultured layman who wishes to be informed on the various movements of Judaism." -The Advocate: America's Jewish Journal

Religion From Tolstoy To Camus is a comprehensive book written by Walter Arnold Kaufmann that explores the evolution of religious thought and philosophy from the 19th to the 20th century. The book is divided into two parts, with the first part focusing on the religious ideas of Leo Tolstoy, S������ren Kierkegaard, Friedrich Nietzsche, and Martin Buber. The second part of the book examines the works of Albert Camus, Gabriel Marcel, and Paul Tillich. Kaufmann's analysis of these thinkers and their ideas is an attempt to understand how religion has been transformed and redefined in the modern era. He argues that the traditional religious beliefs and practices have been challenged by the rise of science, secularism, and existentialism. The book explores the ways in which these thinkers have responded to these challenges and how they have attempted to create new forms of religious expression.Kaufmann's writing is clear and accessible, making it an excellent resource for both scholars and general readers interested in the history of religious thought. The book provides a fascinating insight into the changing nature of religion and its role in modern society. Overall, Religion From Tolstoy To Camus is an important work that sheds light on the complex and evolving relationship between religion and modernity.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.

Everyman's History of the Jews is a comprehensive overview of the Jewish people from ancient times to the modern era. Written by Sulamith Ish-Kishor, this book covers the major events, figures, and traditions that have shaped Jewish history and culture. The author explores the origins of Judaism, the Hebrew Bible, and the Jewish diaspora, as well as the impact of Jewish communities on world history. The book also delves into the challenges and triumphs of Jewish life, including the Holocaust and the establishment of the State of Israel. With clear and concise writing, Everyman's History of the Jews is an accessible introduction to the rich and complex history of the Jewish people.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.

""Methods of Teaching Jewish Ethics"" by Julia Richman is a comprehensive guide for educators looking to teach Jewish ethics to students of all ages. The book includes various teaching methods and strategies, such as storytelling, role-playing, and discussion-based activities, to engage students and help them understand the principles of Jewish ethics. It also covers topics such as moral development, character education, and the importance of ethical behavior in Jewish tradition. The author, Julia Richman, draws from her extensive experience as an educator and provides practical advice and examples for teachers to implement in their classrooms. This book is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to teach Jewish ethics in a meaningful and effective way.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.

""An Introduction to Philo Judaeus"" is a book written by Erwin Ramsdell Goodenough that provides an in-depth exploration of the life and works of Philo Judaeus, a Hellenistic Jewish philosopher who lived in Alexandria, Egypt during the first century CE. The book begins with an overview of Philo's background and cultural context, including his education and upbringing in a Jewish community heavily influenced by Greek culture. Goodenough then delves into Philo's extensive writings, which include commentaries on the Torah and other Jewish texts, as well as philosophical treatises on topics such as ethics, metaphysics, and the nature of God. Throughout the book, Goodenough provides detailed analysis and interpretation of Philo's ideas, drawing on his own expertise in ancient philosophy and religion. The book is intended for both scholars and general readers interested in the history of Jewish philosophy and the intellectual climate of the ancient world.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.

Excerpt from Why I Am a Jew I offer this small book humbly, as a sheaf garnered from the rich harvest of Judaism. A massive literature, a history of four thousand years, a courageous, articulate and unend ing struggle for moral determinism, cannot readily be com pressed, nor would I make bold to attempt to do this without the earnest hope that this book may be but an introduction to the study of the great tradition which it is our heritage to know, to understand and to share. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.

A long-form poem of negation and egoism, of scorn and cynical delight. Included is a URL for a free full audiobook read by Kevin I. Slaughter. Benjamin DeCasseres (is) the Pontius Pilate of America. -H.L. Mencken A passionate, erratic poet... strives to shake the foundation of the world. -The Saturday Review of Literature He occupies a niche that is all his own and asks space to stand for no other man . -The Nation DeCasseres is the most fiery and independent writer that I know of. -Remy de Gourmont There is but one Benjamin DeCasseres. And he is perhaps the one living wonder of the literary world. It is fortunate that such an one must be born, that he cannot be made; especially that he cannot be imitated, for if every one wrote like DeCasseres readers would go mad. That he can keep in any semblance of thought-order such whirls of words is something to marvel at. Yet to read him once, twice, is to experience the greatest mental exhilaration. -New York Times

"This is a book of extraordinary quality and importance. In tracing the encounter of Jews (the chosen people) and America (the chosen nation) . . Eisen has given the American Jewish community a new understanding of itself." —American Jewish Archives ". . . one of the most significant books on American Jewish thought written in recent years." —Choice What does it mean to be a Jew in America? What opportunities and what threats does the great melting pot represent for a group that has traditionally defined itself as "a people that must dwell alone"? Although for centuries the notion of "The Chosen People" sustained Jewish identity, America, by offering Jewish immigrants an unprecedented degree of participation in the larger society, threatened to erode their Jewish identity and sense of separateness. Arnold M. Eisen charts the attempts of American Jewish thinkers to adapt the notion of chosenness to an American context. Through an examination of sermons, essays, debates, prayer-book revisions, and theological literature, Eisen traces the ways in which American rabbis and theologians—Reconstructionist, Conservative, and Orthodox thinkers—effected a compromise between exclusivity and participation that allowed Jews to adapt to American life while simultaneously enhancing Jewish tradition and identity.

This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the original. Due to its age, it may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia and flawed pages. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions that are true to the original work.

Jacob Neusner is Research Professor of Religion and Theology at Bard College and Senior Fellow of the Institute of Advanced Theology at Bard. He has published more than 900 books and unnumbered articles, both scholarly and academic and popular and journalistic, and is the most published humanities scholar in the world. He has been awarded nine honorary degrees, including seven US and European honorary doctorates. He received his AB from Harvard College in 1953, his PhD from Columbia University and Union Theological Seminary in 1961, and rabbinical ordination and the degree of Master of Hebrew Letters from the Jewish Theological Seminary of America in 1960. Neusner is editor of the 'Encyclopedia of Judaism' (Brill, 1999. I-III) and its Supplements; Chair of the Editorial Board of 'The Review of Rabbinic Judaism, ' and Editor in Chief of 'The Brill Reference Library of Judaism', both published by E. J. Brill, Leiden, The Netherlands. He is editor of 'Studies in Judaism', University Press of America. Neusner resides with his wife in Rhinebeck, New York. They have a daughter, three sons and three daughters-in-law, six granddaughters and two grandsons.