From January to April 2000 historian David Irving brought a high-profile libel case against Penguin Books and Deborah Lipstadt in the British High Court; charging that Lipstadt’s book; Denying the Holocaust (1993); falsely labeled him a Holocaust denier. The question about the evidence for Auschwitz as a death camp played a central role in these proceedings. Irving had based his alleged denial of the Holocaust in part on a 1988 report by an American execution specialist; Fred Leuchter; which claimed that there was no evidence for homicidal gas chambers in Auschwitz. In connection with their defense; Penguin and Lipstadt engaged architectural historian Robert Jan van Pelt to present evidence for our knowledge that Auschwitz had been an extermination camp where up to one million Jews were killed; mainly in gas chambers. Employing painstaking historical scholarship; van Pelt prepared and submitted an exhaustive forensic report that he successfully defended in cross-examination in court.
#1280127 in Books Shaul Magid 2013-04-09 2013-04-09Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x 1.20 x 6.00l; 1.55 #File Name: 0253008026408 pagesAmerican Post Judaism Identity and Renewal in a Postethnic Society
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A deep and enriching analysis of Jewish Renewal and its solutions for our postmodern eraBy EnyphillShaul Magid is one of the best in his field. His analyses are piercing and his research is meticulous and broad in scope. His comparative studies in each chapter of the book--which place several thinkers in dialogue with one another--allow for a textured comprehension of the topic and an engaging read. Don't get me wrong; though: this is not an easy book. I am an academic and am familiar with the Jewish and philosophical terms and concepts in the book; and it still required a bit of work for me to make it through and absorb the messages and sharp demarcations. But; this is a must-read for those who want to familiarize themselves with the philosophical and sociological underpinnings of Reb Zalman Schachter-Shalomi's Jewish Renewal project.What is good about this book? 1) Jewish Renewal is something obscure for most of us. Professor Magid really dissects the philosophy and helps the reader get to the core messages so often blurred by lofty "spiritual" jargon. 2) Fresh and exciting ways are offered to tackle the post-modern condition the Jewish world finds itself in today. 3) Access to a great mind. Magid's writing is clear. And his scope of knowledge is impressive. These two together; along with his depth and personal connection to the topic; all provide a most pleasant pathway into the inner corridors of Jewish thought.Cons: 1) This is not a beginner's book (this can be a pro or a con--depends on the audience). 2) Magid is a dedicated student (talmid) of Reb Zalman Schachter-Shalomi; On one hand; this instigates a comprehensive analysis of his writings. However; sometimes an apologetic vibe can be picked up. And sometimes the reader can't help but wish the critical lens with which other thinkers are scrutinized would be equally applied to Reb Zalman. (See the last chapter on post post-Holocaust literature; for instance. Schachter-Shalomi seems to not have a clear message on the Holocaust. But Magid presents him as having one. This requires a bit of acrobatics. Also; the claims made by Shalomi on this topic are disturbing at times; but nevertheless seem to be portrayed by the author in a positive light.) 3) This is a personal one which may (only) resonate with other rationalist-leaning readers: I found it hard to accept some of the "new" paradigms being offered by Jewish Renewal; as per how they were depicted in the book; because they often are based on (New Age) spirituality and axioms such as "we have entered into a new phase; the era of Aquarius" and the like. And I just don't know how to digest this and integrate it into my rational categories of thought. Magid thoroughly presents the problem: Judaism can't address this generation with an old Torah. But the answer(s) I found less compelling. But for those more spiritually oriented; this may not be a barrier.In all; this is a most compelling work; by a top-notch scholar. And it offers much food for thought for all Jewish educators today. In a day of "posts" (post-modernism; post-Zionism; post-monotheism; post-ethnicity; etc.); the Jewish world often seems befuddled and alarmed at the drastic changes in our new generation. Magid offers the reader a philosophical; historical; psychological and sociological map; based on Jewish Renewal; for understanding the sources of this generation's angst; all the while presenting new avenues for living and experiencing Judaism based on these understandings. If you want to think deeply; experience new paradigms for understanding and living Judaism; and acquire a solid foothold in Reb Zalman Schachter-Shalomi's thought; this is the book for you.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Excellent book; but it is a very slow read.By Bruce WolfThis is a wonderful review of renewal Judaism. The book is very slow reading because of sentence structure and the innumerable references. The author I a font of knowledge. Having met him for a class; I found this book a wonderful extension of his information2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Jewish Renewal in ContextBy BokononerAn excellent contribution to a respected Indiana University Press series of works on American religion; this one offers new resources for understanding Jews; Judaism(s); and newly emerging patterns of cultural and religious practices at a time when "ethnicity" may be declining as a viable identity-marker. Reading this book in relation (or in contrast) to earlier influential studies (for instance; Will Herberg's Protestant Catholic Jew) suggests that it similarly could (and should) become a focal point for lively discussion and debate about American Jews and ways toward a potentially creative future well beyond any "melting pot" vs. "unmeltable ethnic" mentality. Clearly and insightfully written. Highly recommended.
