The Home We Build Together: Recreating Society (Hardcover)

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Editorial Reviews

Review

"A deeply philosophical, yet extremely hard-hitting book..." -- Doreen Wachmann, Jewish Telegraph

"British Chief Rabbi Sir Jonathan Sacks is the premier public intellectual of Judaism in the English-speaking world and has no obvious counterpart in the communities of Judaism conducted in other languages. No one in Israeli intellectual life competes.

This book joins with its predecessors...to form an oeuvre of moral authority and compelling logic. For a corpus of writing substantially less ambitious than this some have received the Nobel Prize." -- Jerusalem Post

"He [Sacks] argues like an expert dancer, leading his audience through a waltz of lilting reasonableness" -- Observer, Rafael Behr

"Sacks, an award-winning author and the chief rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of Britain and the Commonwealth, painstakingly presents a history of the breakdown of civil society as well as a compelling philosophy with which to restore civility to British government and daily life. Global communications technology deteriorates our sense of national identity, he states here, while multiculturalism exacerbates the situation by encouraging social fragmentation, especially along religious lines. We have created a "society as hotel," in which individualism and compartmentalization are the rule of the day. By participating in a social covenant devoted to the common good, we can create society as the "home we build together," a society in which we are integrated but not assimilated and in which we all invest of ourselves to support the whole. Sacks's arguments are compelling, as is his analysis of the advent and results of the multiculturist movement. While applicable to most Western democracies, this work is firmly rooted in British sociopolitical concerns and is written in an approachable but scholarly style. Recommended for academic or larger public libraries." -- Library Journal

There is much great wisdom here, for readers of all faiths and none. -- Bishop of Thetford

Product Description

This is Jonathan Sacks' new book on the future of British society and the dangers facing liberal democracy. A counterweight to his earlier book, "The Dignity of Difference", Sacks makes the case for "integrated diversity" within a framework of shared political values. Arguing that global communications have fragmented national cultures and that multiculturalism, intended to reduce social friction, is today reinforcing it, Sacks calls for a new approach to national identity. He envisions a responsibility-based rather than rights-based model of citizenship that connects the ideas of giving and belonging. We should see society as "the home we build together", bringing the distinctive gifts of different groups to the common good. Sacks warns of the hazards free and open societies face in the 21st century, and offers an unusual religious defence of liberal democracy and the nation state. This logical sequel to Sacks' award-winning "The Dignity of Difference" (Continuum), "The Home We Build Together" makes a compelling case for "integrated diversity" within a framework of shared political values.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 272 pages
• Publisher: Continuum (January 7, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0826480705
• ISBN-13: 978-0826480705
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.6 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #305,579 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars wonderful and revolutionary, December 29, 2007

By	Seth J. Frantzman (Jerusalem, Israel) - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

England's most influential Jewish leader has crafted a wonderful critique of multi-culturalism and argued for erecting a new conccept of identity in its place. He argues that multi-culturalism has fragmented society and although the ideas behind it were noble the outcome has been brutal. Instead we need a new society that will emphasize heritage withotu causing hate and identity politics and will recreate religion outside politics.
A very interesting and pursuasive text that is worth reading and has wide ramifications for countries outside the UK.
Seth J. Frantzman

3 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Significant & Strategic Book for the 21st Century, March 30, 2008

By	Bob Roberts, Jr. "glocalnet" (Everywhere) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I cannot recommend this book enough. As pastor of a church, I've pushed my members to read it, young pastors to read it, people of different faiths that I work with around the world. The ideas presented are a way forward for our future. The concept of "side-by-side" sweating and engagement is the only way we will ever survive the polarization of society. If you've read my book Glocalization - you will love this - read it!