Jews: The Essence and Character of a People

by Arthur Hertzberg

In this landmark work, Rabbi Arthur Hertzberg, vice president emeritus of the World Jewish Congress, and Aron Hirt-Manheimer, editor of Reform Judaism Magazine, answer the What makes a Jew a Jew? These prominent Jewish scholars search for the soul of the Jewish character-from the archetype of Abraham and Sarah to the ambivalence of Kafka, Freud, and Woody Allen. They delve beyond conventional discussions of Jewish identity and explore the very essence of Jewish existence. Highly regarded, Jews explains how and why great Jewish figures throughout history, who have been victimized by anti-Semitism, have succeeded to rise again and endure.

Genres: Judaism, Jewish, Nonfiction

320 pages, Paperback

First published May 19, 1998

Reviews

[Edward · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good introduction to the history of Jews throughout the centuries, particularly the different strains of Judaism, much more varied that I realized.

[Jenny · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was good for explaining the history of Jews, but after a while, I found it quite dry.

[Michel Van Goethem · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jews: The Essence and Character of a People
by Arthur Hertzberg