ePub Swiss in Greater Milwaukee by Maralyn A Wellauer-Lenius in History

Description

This book by prominent rabbi Kaufmann Kohler explains the beliefs; traditions and history of the Jewish faith. Detailed yet accessible explanations of the core tenets of the religion are offered by Kohler; whose decades spent in devotion and study of Judaism imbue the pages with an authentic and intimate knowledge of the faith from ancient times onward. First published in 1918; this account of the Jewish religion was praised by Kohler's contemporaries in the American Jewish community. The book is split into three fundamental parts; each of which studies an aspect of Judaistic belief: The first part examines the nature of God and the divine as understood by the Jews. The consciousness of man and concept of one God; and the role the Torah plays in defining and explaining the nature of the Father is detailed. The various traits of God - his ultimate knowledge; love; omnipotence and strict adherence to truth - receive their own chapters. The manner by which God makes himself known through the creation and miracles is also examined. The second part is entitled Man; and discusses where humankind stands in the view of Judaism. The nature of mankind; of its duality of good and evil; and of the aspect of God's spirit present in all men is explained. The notion's of divine retribution for misdeeds and of a reward for good acts; and the elements of civilisation which contribute to the moral behaviour of man are also examined. In the third part; entitled Israel and the Kingdom of God; we hear a historical account of Judaism's beginnings in Israel. The notion of the Kingdom of God and its connection to the Israelites is explored; while the traditions and customs of the priesthood are also detailed. Chapters are also devoted to other monotheistic faiths which followed Judaism; as well as the significance of the synagogue as a place of worship. Kaufmann Kohler was an influential Jewish intellectual and rabbi who rose to prominence after emigrating to the USA at a young age after formal education in various schools in Germany. Over decades; he became one of the foremost public figures advocating Reform Judaism; and influenced the development and public prominence of the Jewish religion. A frequent committee member and speaker at various rabbinic conferences; Kohler was also enthusiastic about science; using his writing skills to contribute articles to various scientific journals.