Description
Book SynopsisThe first volume to examine the Jewish state through the lens of Jewish utopian thought from its biblical beginnings to modernity, Contested Utopia illuminates a kaleidoscope of conflicting utopian visions influencing Israel.
Trade Review"Fascinating."—Rabbi Robert Orkand, reformjudaism.org
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Contested Utopia] provides a fascinating look at the variety of utopian visions that abounded before the creation of the state of Israel."—Rabbi Ron Kronish,
Jerusalem Report“In this fascinating study of the utopian roots within both traditional Judaism and Zionism, Rosenstein offers a lens into the identity struggles of the modern Jewish state. An important contribution to the Israeli bookshelf.”—Yossi Klein Halevi, author of
Like Dreamers“Rosenstein takes readers on a stimulating excursion through a fascinating cluster of utopian visions that anticipated what subsequently became the State of Israel. His juxtaposition of these competing versions of ‘what might be’ with the realities that emerged is well worth pondering.”—Deborah Dash Moore, professor of Judaic Studies, University of Michigan
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Contested Utopia will help to shape discourse around the future of the Jewish state for a long time.”—Rabbi Lisa Grant, director, Rabbinical Program, Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion, New York
Table of ContentsList of Maps
Preface: Envisioning a Jewish State
Acknowledgments
Introduction: The Jewish State as Utopia
How to Use This Book for Discussion
Part 1. Lands of Milk and Honey: Jewish Utopian Visions
1. The Eternal Quest for Utopia
2. Paradise Lost, Remembered, and Promised
3. Utopia, Apocalypse, Messiah
Part 2. A Jewish State: Zionist Utopian Visions
4. A Torah Society
5. Holy Community
6. A National Home
7. Statehood and Power
8. Enlightenment and Normalization
9. Promised Borders
10. A Model of Social Justice
Part 3. The Modern State of Israel: Reality Meets Utopia
11. Visions in Collision
12. A Utopian Travel Blog
Notes
Bibliography
Index
