In Modern Jewish Identity: A Rationalistic Motivation for Remaining Jewish, Rudi and Ester Reisel take us on a fascinating journey through the biblical, philosophical, spiritual and ideological uniqueness of the Jewish people, their history and thought, and Judaism's ability to meet the social and scientific challenges in every generation. The Reisels use the biblical text and comments from traditional Jewish sources, including diverse sources such as A.B. Yehoshua, A.J. Heschel, Einstein, Prof. Y. Leibowitz, Rabbi J.B. Soloveitchik, Spinosa, and others to paint a pattern of unity and progress within Judaism and its effect on humanity as a whole.
The Reisels argue for unity within Judaism based on stressing common denominators, mutual respect, pluralism, and democratic tolerance - which they contend is the basis of the bible's humanistic and prophetic message.
For a twist, the authors also examine the origins of the dichotomy between science and religion. In addition, they demonstrate the curious connection between modern scientific understandings of energy and forces and the "Higher Power" of the bible.
