Books in the Routledge Jewish Studies Series series

This book assesses why the Bible is so positive in its view of the poor, unlike most later literary and legislative works. It seeks to understand what historical circumstances brought about this elevated perception of the poor by exploring the clash of ideals and realities in the depiction of the poor in the Hebrew Bible and in European culture.

Traces the topical discussion of the origins of Anti-Semitism, and especially its development in the modern world. This book examines how it is that this medieval prejudice has proved so lasting and potent and by what means it managed to bridge the gap between medievalism and Enlightenment.

Examines how Jews in Central Europe developed one of the first "ethnic" or "minority" cultures in modernity. Focusing principally on German-Jewish popular culture, this book introduces the beginnings of "ethnicity" as we know it and live it.

This book argues that the literary texts produced by Sephardic and Mizrahi Jews who migrated from the Middle East and North Africa in the 1950s onwards, should be considered as part of a transnational arena, in which forms of Jewish diasporism and postcolonial displacement interweave. Through an original perspective that focuses on novelists, poets, professional and amateur writers, the book explains that these Sephardic and Mizrahi authors are part of a global literary diaspora at the crossroads of past Arab legacies, new national identities and persistent feelings of Jewishness.

Explores the development of Jewish nationalism from the Bible to modern times, focusing on particular movements and places as well as texts which signified, or themselves brought about, change: the Bible (Hebrew prayer book), and the modern Hebrew literature, particularly in Tsarist Russia.

This book represents the first sustained effort to create a conversation between these two academic fields. In one trajectory of argument, the book shows what is gained when each field sees how the other engages the same questions.

Re-examines the nature of Voltaire's hostility by analyzing the Enlightenment, its role as a source of modern Anti-Semitism, and its shaping of modern Jewish identity.

This book traces the development of the image of the Black as 'other' in the history of Jewish cultures, from the first formulations in Biblical literature to early modern times.

Beginning with the earliest philosopher of the Middle Ages, Saadiah ben Joseph al-Fayyumi, this work surveys the work of such figures as Joseph Albo and Isaac Arama. It places these thinkers in an historical context and describe their contributions to the history of Jewish medieval thought.

This text looks at the ways in which Jews, Muslims and the conflict between them has been covered in the modern media. Both Jews and Muslims generally receive 'bad press' and this books tries to reveal why.

This text looks at the ways in which Jews, Muslims and the conflict between them has been covered in the modern media. Both Jews and Muslims generally receive 'bad press' and this books tries to reveal why.

Describes the Languedocian Jewish community's multigenerational cultivation of - and acculturation to - scientific and philosophic teachings into Judaism. This book gives a reappraisal of the role of the philosophic interpretation in rabbinic culture and medieval Judaism.

Explores through a collection of articles the nexus between Jews and Chinese. This volume studies how they interact in modernity; how they view each other and what talents, qualities and social assets are being recognized on each side for the purpose of cooperation and exchange.

Exploring the image of Jews in India in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, this book looks at both the Indian attitudes towards the Jewish communities of the subcontinent and at the way Jews and Judaism in general have been represented in Indian discourse.

It has long been understood that the Jews see themselves as a chosen people; a key element in a Jewish identity based on quality and duty. This book explores the idea of chosenness from the ancient world, through modernity and into the Post-Holocaust era.

Helps students of the 'Star' to be able to discuss at a basic level what, at least conceptually, Rosenzweig intended to say and how all that he says is interrelated.

Deals with the Jewish engagement with blood: animal and human, real and metaphorical. Concentrating on the meaning or significance of blood in Judaism, this book moves this highly controversial subject away from its traditional focus, exploring how Jews themselves engage with blood and its role in Jewish identity, ritual and culture.

Contains essays that explore the dynamics at work in two of the oldest, intact and starkly contrasting civilizations on earth. This book studies how they interact in modernity and how each civilization views the other, and analyses areas of cooperation between scholars, activists and politicians.

Examines the role of messianism in Zionist ideology. This book shows how messianism is not just a religious or philosophical term but a very tangible political practice which has shaped Israeli identity.

There is evidence of a joint tradition among designers of synagogues and churches, in which Christians repeat earlier Jewish symbolism. Using rare Jewish documents, this book unravels those sacred dimensions.

Moses Maimonides (1135-1204) is recognized both as a leading figure in Jewish thought and as one of the most radical philosophers of the Islamic world. This work provides a general introduction to his philosophy, exploring his arguments, and examining their implications and validity.

Examines the changes in representing collaboration, especially in the destruction of European Jewry, in the public discourse and the historiography of various countries In Europe. This book shows how representations and responses have been conditioned by national and political trends and constraints.

This book provides a multidisciplinary examination of the age old issue of Jewish blood in all its various manifestations, both real and imagined. It provides historical, religious and cultural examples ranging from the "Blood Libel" through to the poetry of Uri Zvi Greenberg.