Israel and the World - (Martin Buber Library) by Martin Buber (Paperback)

About the Book

Written over 40 years, this text seeks to: clarify the relation of certain aspects of Jewish thinking and Jewish living to contemporary intellectual movements; and to analyze those trends within Jewish life, which, surrendering to many ideologies, tend to weaken the teachings of Israel.

Book Synopsis

Written over a forty-year period, Israel and the World is a discussion of the encounter between the historic spirit of Israel and the world which regards it as foreign, incomprehensible, or irrelevant. The essays in this volume represent a dual attempt: first, to clarify the relation of certain aspects of Jewish thinking and Jewish living to contemporary intellectual movements and second, to analyze critically those trends within Jewish life which, surrendering to current ideologies, tend to weaken the teachings of Israel.

Topics range from "The Faith of Judaism," "Plato and Isaiah," and "Hebrew Humanism." Buber speaks out openly, sharply criticizing false or distorted conceptions, guiding his reader to the very heart of each issue.

Review Quotes

Everyone will read [Israel and the World] with profound interest, whether or not he gives full agreement. Even a skeptic may be willing to follow this Hebrew humanist for much of the way, attracted by his rich language and the sincerity of his serene and noble attitude toward life.-- "The New York Times"

Martin Buber grows and grows in stature; he has indeed arisen, a leader in Israel, and [these] essays written 'in a time of crisis' are as timeless as they are timely.-- "Commonweal"

About the Author

Martin Buber has gained worldwide acclaim for his translations and expositions of various mythic and mystical traditions. His works include I and Thou, The Prophetic Faith, and Tales of Hasidim.