The Kuzari is one of the basic books of Jewish literature; a required text in the library of every educated Jew--and of every educated Christian who would understand the religion of Israel. The author; foremost poet and thinker of the Jewish Middle Ages; offers clear and usable delineations of the religion of Israel. In the easy style of a Platonic dialogue; he presents first a critique of Christianity and Islam; and then explores the nature of Israel's first religious faculty; the question of the "chosen" people; the implications of a "minority religion." Against those who accommodate to prevailing philosophical trends; Judah Halevi is blunt; frank and uncompromising in his discourse on the central teachings of Judaism: revelation; prophecy; the laws; the Holy Land; and the role of the Jewish people as spokesman for religious faith.
#257040 in Books 2011-01-18 2011-01-18Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.50 x .2 x 5.50l; .66 #File Name: 0805069488192 pages
Review
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. If only Abraham Lincoln had served out his term . . .By Nathan A. GordonThis book was sitting on my book shelf for five years; unread. I recently saw the movie. "Free State of Jones" which piqued my interest in President Andrew Johnson's policies since I knew relatively little about him outside of the fact that the House had impeached him only to have the Senate prevent his removal by one vote. One very interesting fact that I did learn was that Johnson probably would have been removed from office but some Senators wouldn't go along since they were fearful of letting the next in line--Ohio Senator Benjamin Wade; a "radical" Republican--succeed to the presidency.Gordon-Reed's view of Johnson is extremely negative; calling him out for the racist that he proved to be with all due respect to the fact that Johnson was raised in a Confederate state; Tennessee. Ms. Gordon-Reed goes out of her way to give a substantial amount of credit to Johnson's main biographer; Hans L. Trefousse. This is admittedly a very short; thumbnail sketch of Andrew Johnson's personal and political life but it will motivate you to seek out much more information on what happened in our country immediately after the assassination of President Lincoln.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Excellent bookBy Michael LapelosaThis is an extremely well written and informative book. To be sure; the author is no fan of Andrew Johnson. Yet; she tries to provide a balanced rendering and give Johnson as much credit as feasible. Johnson's story is actually pretty amazing....born dirt poor to an indifferent family....uneducated...in an unsettled wilderness...he is the poster child of opportunity and fulfillment of the American Dream. He rose to prominance thru hard work; determination; and of course luck. Although Johnson governed a state that demonstrated strong southern sympathies; he was a fierce defender of the Union; often a great personal peril. He also fought tirelessly for the rights of the poor and landless....as long as they were white males. And there is the rub. The author weaves Johnson's inherent racism throughtout the narrative. This aspect of his personality would have horrible effects on post civil war America. Just as Lincolin was exactly the perfect man for his times; Johnson was excactly the wrong man for his times. The author provides insight; context and perspective into this controversail American.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Written without intent; this extended profile of Johnson presents ...By Terrance UnderwoodWritten without intent; this extended profile of Johnson presents a post-Lincoln Presidency of behavior; expectation; desire and confrontation that is startlingly prescient by comparison with the current conditions the Nation faces. The combative nature and unprecedented actions taken by this executive towards the public; the press and most of all to Congress widened divisions already extant which prevented the binding of "the nation's wounds". Traces of the open sores left in the wake of Johnson's Presidency are visible to this day. Whether Johnson's and the Nation's failures then may provide further comparisons now remains to be seen.
