Description
Book SynopsisIsrael and the Nations: The Bible, The Rabbis, and Jewish-Gentile Relations explores the Jewish theology and law (Halakhah) relating to non-Jews. It analyzes biblical, talmudic, medieval, and contemporary Jewish writings about gentiles and their religions.
The Bible challenges the Jewish people to be “a blessing for all the families of the earth.” Yet throughout history, Jewish experience with gentiles was complex. In the biblical and talmudic eras most gentiles were assumed to be idolators. In the Middle Ages most rabbis considered their Christian neighbors idolators, and Christian enmity sharpened the otherness Jews felt toward their Christian hosts. Muslims were monotheists, but Jewish-Muslim relations were sometimes positive and at other times difficult. With the advent secular tolerance in modernity, Jews found themselves in a new relationship with their gentile neighbors. How should Jews relate to gentiles today, and what are the bounds of Jewish tolerance and religious pluralism?
The book will interest both Jewish laypersons familiar with Jewish tradition as well as scholars of theology and interfaith relations
Trade Review"This is an informative volume that traces the evolution of Jewish-Gentile relations and posits a path forward. It would be a valuable resource for those interested in interfaith dialogue."
— C. and Anne-Marie Belinfante, AJL News & Reviews
“Today, Korn insists, Jews must lock arms with Christians to fight common enemies—relativism and secularism on the left, and radical Islamist violence on the right. Against the recent devaluation of human nature, Jews and Christians must teach the sanctity of human life... At a time when antisemitism is on the rebound and Jews like Rabbi Korn are fighting to defend Christians, it is high time we listened to voices like his. His new book is a great place to start.”
— Gerald McDermott, Juicy Ecumenism: The Institute on Religion & Democracy's Blog
Table of ContentsIntroduction: Reassessing Jewish-Gentile Relations Today
Part One: Judaism, Jews, and Gentiles
The Covenant and Its Theology
Israel as Blessing: Theological Horizons
Extra Synagogam Nulla Salus? Judaism and the Religious Other
Revelation, Gentiles, and the World to Come
Idolatry Today
Part Two: Judaism, Jews, and Christianity
Rethinking Christianity: Rabbinic Positions and Possibilities
Esau Hates Jacob
The Man of Faith and Religious Dialogue
The People Israel, Christianity, and the Covenantal Responsibility to History
Bibliography
Index
