Jewish People, Jewish Thought : The Jewish Experience in History

by Robert M. Seltzer

An extensive introduction to Jewish experience and thought combines social and political history and intellectual tradition and is complemented by historical photographs, illustrations of Jewish art, maps, and detailed chronological charts

Genres: History, Judaism, Jewish, Philosophy, Religion, Judaica

896 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1980

Reviews

[Matt Goldberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took about five months, but I basically read a history textbook. After my trip to Israel this past March, I wanted to know more about Jewish history and thought, and my dad helpfully supplied this tome. Ideally, this book would be paired with a classroom setting where concepts could be probed deeper and discussed, but it’s still a valuable and challenging read.

My main takeaway for now is how Judaism has worked to adapt itself from novel religious form (monotheism) to fit into major veins of thought throughout history. At times, it feels like Judaism is subordinate to these strains, a fluid concept that can fill particular containers. At other times, it feels like some thinkers are effectively ret-conning the Torah, arguing that it was always meant to be thus.

However you look at it, it’s still a worthwhile exploration of 3,200 years of history, and I’m grateful that this book exists.

[Les · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very thorough book. It explains jewish thought from the beginning when we were a people before the Torah was given up to the present time. It was a great overview of what the Jewish people believe and the great leaders and prophets told us about G-D. It has great foot notes plus a complete biography of the books to guide us in further reading.

[Ramón · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I was in college, this book was a mainstay in the reading lists of most my classes on Judaism. It only gets a three because it is so dry. The information is fantastic and it really is an astonishing research accomplishment.

[Andre Cortez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book awakened me to the diversity of thought in the Jewish community. I wish that it would have went more in-depth with the contents. It seemed as though the author did a disservice to the thinkers with his brief synopsis of their thought.

[Jenn Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great book. Extremely dry read.