Part of the Jewish Encounter seriesA history of the Jewish people from bris to burial; from “muscle Jews†to nose jobs.Melvin Konner; a renowned doctor and anthropologist; takes the measure of the “Jewish body;†considering sex; circumcision; menstruation; and even those most elusive and controversial of microscopic markers–Jewish genes. But this is not only a book that examines the human body through the prism of Jewish culture. Konner looks as well at the views of Jewish physiology held by non-Jews; and the way those views seeped into Jewish thought. He describes in detail the origins of the first nose job; and he writes about the Nazi ideology that categorized Jews as a public health menace on par with rats or germs. A work of grand historical and philosophical sweep; The Jewish Body discusses the subtle relationship between the Jewish conception of the physical body and the Jewish conception of a bodiless God. It is a book about the relationship between a land–Israel–and the bodily sense not merely of individuals but of a people. As Konner describes; a renewed focus on the value of physical strength helped generate the creation of a Jewish homeland; and continued in the wake of it. With deep insight and great originality; Konner gives us nothing less than an anatomical history of the Jewish people.
#39043 in Books Schocken Books 1987-12-27 1987-12-27Original language:GermanPDF # 1 7.96 x .86 x 5.17l; .81 #File Name: 0805205721296 pages
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Poignant memoir; valuable historical documentBy Eve HowardThis book possesses a cheerfully wistful charm. Picture a busy Jewish female version of Pepys; who instead of sailing to court every day; conducts a precious gem business on a continental scale and manages an enormous family well enough to produce twelve surviving children. It's a story about Germany (and surrounding countries) with an obvious focus on the institutionalized persecution and exploitation of Jews. Gluckel neatly dodges the plague and marries off a number of children well; but she and her husband come in for their share of bad luck; bad health and even worse business partners before the tale has been well told. The translation is airy and engaging with some very neat anecdotes. All in all; a colorful glimpse into late 17th early 18th century European life of a well educated; clear thinking woman.29 of 29 people found the following review helpful. A window into the pastBy Ladyce WestI loved this book. Perhaps I should say that I like old memoirs and journals; particularly by women [and there are so few of them!] and that I also enjoy reading historical documents and about history of certain places and certain centuries. That may be one of the biases of these lines. I might also add I am not Jewish. What is fascinating and intriguing is how this person;living 400 years ago; comes out alive and well; in this text. That we understand her and her motives; her sense of humor. We commune with her preocupations which give or take small differences are preoccupations we have today: the raising of offspring; providing what you can to insure your child's future better than your own; guidance through religious beliefs and wisdom against false new religious leaders; the conduct of ethical and profitable business. Glückel also reveals surprising details of everyday life. For instance; she required special permissions to travel and to stay within the borders of towns for being Jewish; she travels more frequently than I expected; despite her being a woman; despite the difficulties of lodging; depite her jewishness. Sickness is awful anytime but here we see how absolutely dreadful it could be even for a well to do merchant family. She also comandeers her business decisively and dynamically. Her errors in judgment are few for anyone; in any century! And she loves her husband; and she is loved by him; even though she probably had an arranged marriage just like the ones she provided for her children. I love this book because Glückel puts me in touch with the 17th century daily life; but more than that; she reminds me of the infinite chain that links us all; and in particular infinite connection that all women share; Jewish or not. Glückel simply reminded me of the universality of our experiences; transcending centuries; religions and cultures. Few books can do that.4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. "Worth More Than Gold and Rubies"By Enrique LerdauMy ancestress Glueckel; much beloved by social historians as a very rare primary source about the life of German Jews in the seventeenth century; was a semi-literate; pious; loving and incredibly feisty lady. Her autobiographical story is both exhilarating and melancholy; after a lifetime of successful struggles to earn a good livelihood for her family after her husband's early death; she ended her life as a perhaps not overly welcome guest in the home of one of her sons in law. She writes her book at night when she cannot sleep; for her children's instruction "...and for my own consolation". Her tale is fascinating even though her main interests; dowries; trade and moral tales; are not ours. Her business took her all over Germany; roads were insecure; the treatment of Jews varied but was seldom welcoming; debtors defaulted; creditors pressed; children acted imprudently; marriages had to be arranged and rearranged. She introduces us to a colorful and scary world of ordinary people. Quite lovely!
