A unique history of the Hebrew language from biblical times to the modern Jewish stateThis book explores the extraordinary hold that Hebrew has had on Jews and Christians; who have invested it with a symbolic power far beyond that of any other language in history. Preserved by the Jews across two millennia; Hebrew endured long after it ceased to be a mother tongue; resulting in one of the most intense textual cultures ever known. It was a bridge to Greek and Arab science. It unlocked the biblical sources for Jerome and the Reformation. Kabbalists and humanists sought philosophical truth in it; and Colonial Americans used it to shape their own Israelite political identity. Today; it is the first language of millions of Israelis.The Story of Hebrew takes readers from the opening verses of Genesis―which seemingly describe the creation of Hebrew itself―to the reincarnation of Hebrew as the everyday language of the Jewish state. Lewis Glinert explains the uses and meanings of Hebrew in ancient Israel and its role as a medium for wisdom and prayer. He describes the early rabbis' preservation of Hebrew following the Babylonian exile; the challenges posed by Arabic; and the prolific use of Hebrew in Diaspora art; spirituality; and science. Glinert looks at the conflicted relationship Christians had with Hebrew from the Renaissance to the Counter-Reformation; the language's fatal rivalry with Yiddish; the dreamers and schemers that made modern Hebrew a reality; and how a lost pre-Holocaust textual ethos is being renewed today by Orthodox Jews.A major work of scholarship; The Story of Hebrew is an unforgettable account of what one language has meant to those possessing it.
#287829 in Books D T Suzuki 2010-10-03Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.25 x 6.00 x 1.50l; 1.80 #File Name: 0691144621608 pagesZen and Japanese Culture
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Highly RecommendedBy S. BatemanI have great appreciation for D.T. Suzuki; but was surprised by how much I liked this book. Learning how Japanese Culture has utilized Zen made it much more understandable as something that goes well beyond simply religion. The chapters on sword fighting were especially interesting in the way they showed how use of the sword was directly enhanced by Zen mindfulness. They showed how unity of mind and spirit vitalizes the performance of something seemingly quite practical. Transcending life and death takes on a whole new meaning if you have a sword in your hands and are facing an opponent who wants to kill you. Suddenly it is not just an idea; it is as real as real can get; and there is no time for hesitation or thinking-you must act.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Zen is ZenBy Michael OrloskyMr Suzuki writes with a spare; elegant decorum that is direct; meaningful; and touching. the more I read; the more I like0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy MeritxelVery satisfied.
