A Jewish State - by Aharon Barak & Jehuda Reinharz & Yedidia Z Stern & Haim Zicherman (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Israel is a "Jewish state." What is the meaning of this and how does it align with the democratic nature of the country? These are the questions at the core of a contentious debate that has been raging since the establishment of the state. This volume includes 75 essays on the question of Jewish -- Israeli identity, by some of today's best thinkers -- Jews and non-Jews, from Israel and around the world. Its pages include dreams and nightmares, poetic visions and rational analyses, harsh critiques and songs of praise.

This collection is a first-of-its-kind nexus of thought on nationality, religion, politics, culture, society, environment, economics, and security. It is essential reading for any future discussion of Israeli identity.

Review Quotes

"Readers of this book, particularly those readers strongly committed to

a specific Weltanschauung, will undoubtedly find themselves by turns vigorously

nodding or vigorously shaking their heads as they work their way steadily

through the essays. Be that as it may, this reviewer is of the opinion that readers

can only benefit - if simply to sharpen their own views through a consideration

of the views of others who disagree with them - by giving all of the essays in this

work their due consideration."

-- David Rodman, Israel Affairs

"[M]ost of the essays in the book focused on the central topic...Even the essays that did not relate to the main question asked (about Israel as a Jewish state) but addressed issues such as Israel's foreign relations, the environment, and the status of women were enlightening."

-- Ephraim Tabory, Contemporary Jewry