Judaism on Trial: An Unconventional Discussion about Jews, Judaism and the State of Israel [Hardcover]

Nathan Lopes Cardozo (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 15, 2000 | ISBN-10: 9657108284 | ISBN-13: 978-9657108284 | Edition: 2nd

Arguing that science and anti-religious philosophy are not responsible for the decline of Judaism, Rabbi Cardozo says it is those who teach it that make Judaism appear irrelevant to the needs and problems of modern man. Jewish law and custom are taught as a dogmatic creed and no longer contains the exciting spontaneity of worship, while remaining formalistic, replacing love with habit. Instead, the author believes that Judaism must reflect deep compassion to recapture the flowing fountain of a glorious tradition-if not, all becomes meaningless. The author is dean of the David Cardozo School for Jewish Studies and Human Dignity.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Dotted everywhere are mind-boggling statements, and absolute gems of wisdom, from an extremely courageous Orthodox rabbi. -- Doreen Wachmann, Jewish Telegraph

Rabbi Cardozo deals with the most complex issues in a forthright and stimulating fashion. -- Rabbi Dr. Marc D. Angel, past President of the Rabbinical Council of America

About the Author

Rabbi Dr. Nathan Lopes Cardozo, Dean of the David Cardozo School for Jewish Studies and Human Dignity, lectures regularly at over fifty institutions of Jewish and secular learning around the world. He is often hosted by programs with affiliation ranging from the Orthodox Union and Union of Sephardic Communities to Oxford and Harvard Universities. Regarded by many as a type of ambassador of Jewish conscience, he has, over the past twenty-five years, attracted a large number of students with his unconventional style. His fresh approach to many topics of social concern and his unswerving honesty continue to engage Jews and non-Jews alike.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 345 pages
• Publisher: Urim Publications; 2nd edition (December 15, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 9657108284
• ISBN-13: 978-9657108284
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,349,292 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Exactly as Represented, February 18, 2006

By 

D. Friedman - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Judaism on Trial: An Unconventional Discussion about Jews, Judaism and the State of Israel (Hardcover)

Rabbi Lopes Cardozo's book: "Judaism on Trial" is precisely as it is represented and no reader will be disappointed by this honest assessment of a wide range of issues facing the Jewish community. He does so with wit and wisdom and great sensitivity. Further, he offers honest assessments of deficiencies in the Orthodox world and makes common cause with all Jews under the umbrella of our foundational principles.

The format is not well organized and the reader is left wanting more detail and this is why I give it four out of five stars. Further, the format of an unnamed student asking questions and responding to what he has said is not a terribly effective device and if the points are not clear, Rabbi Lopes Cardozzo can edit his own writing and make it clear without bringing in a "student" to keep the "discussion" on track. After all, this is a statement and an extended argument and not a "discussion."

The author does not shy away from controversy and hits many topics head-on, all the while demonstrating both his concern for how the tradition stands up on trial and how it needs to be protected and promoted in the larger Jewish world.

It is truly sad that this work does not have wide circulation in our community and I am pleased to lend my hand to encourage readers to buy this book and take its message to heart.