Renewing the Covenant: A Theology for the Postmodern Jew [Hardcover]

Eugene B. Borowitz (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1991

Borowitz creatively explores his theory of Covenant, linking self to folk and God through the contemporary idiom of relationship.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Often regarded more as a culture than religion, Judaism's modernization began with the assimilation of 19th-century European Jews into mainstream society. The postmodern era refers to the 20th century, especially post-Holocaust and contemporary Judaism. In this latest work Borowitz, a theologian of liberal Judaism, rabbi, and noted scholar, presents an in-depth philosophical examination of the Covenant. He draws upon the existential theories of Immanuel Kant, Friedrich Hegel, Martin Buber, Abraham Heschel, and others. He discusses and scrutinizes ethical and moral issues involving absolutism, transcendence, the Kabbalah (mysticism), holistic theology, and more. The pre- and post-Holocaust problem of evil and God's nature is given close attention. This major work is an extremely thought-provoking, introspective interpretation of contemporary theology. Recommended for scholars, specialized collections, and academic libraries.
- Ann E. Cohen, Rochester P.L., N.Y.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"Often regarded more as a culture than religion, Judaism''s modernization began with the assimilation of 19th-century European Jews into mainstream society. The postmodern era refers to the 20th century, especially post-Holocaust and contemporary Judaism. In this latest work Borowitz, a theologian of liberal Judaism, rabbi, and noted scholar, presents an in-depth philosophical examination of the Covenant. He draws upon the existential theories of Immanuel Kant, Friedrich Hegel, Martin Buber, Abraham Heschel, and others. He discusses and scrutinizes ethical and moral issues involving absolutism, transcendence, the Kabbalah (mysticism), holistic theology, and more. The pre- and post-Holocaust problem of evil and God''s nature is given close attention. This major work is an extremely thought-provoking, introspective interpretation of contemporary theology. Recommended for scholars, specialized collections, and academic libraries."—Ann E. Cohen, Library Journal

(Library Journal ) --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: Jewish Pubn Society (December 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0827604009
• ISBN-13: 978-0827604001
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.2 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,030,812 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant Exposition, May 7, 2006

By 

Lou Rappaport - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Renewing the Covenant: A Theology for the Postmodern Jew (Paperback)

Borowitz begins with the assumption that "...a very large part of modernized Jewry - including many nominally Orthodox - is made up of Jews who know that their Judaism must allow greater personal freedom than the one they inherited ...."

The answer, for Borowitz, will emerge from examining 1) mediation between Judaism and contemporary culture, 2) dialogue with Jewish traditions, and 3) the testing of what emerges in the form of Jewish action in the cultures within which Jews find themselves. This book focuses primarily on the first, Judaism's response to secular culture.

Borowitz is articulate and cogent in his defense of self-actualization, the "autonomous Jewish self," as the key to personal integrity. And, in his examination of Conservative Judaism's premise that "rabbinic councils" may determine what is acceptable conduct for their members, his scrutiny is precise and challenging. "Why should thinking Jews consider giving up their self-determination to follow the rulings of decisors who have Jewish learning but otherwise no greater access to God's present will than the rest of us possess?"

This work is a superb representation of the though processes of an intelligent and deeply committed Jew who finds a sold base in "Liberal Judaism."

2 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good book on modern answers on Judaism, October 7, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Renewing the Covenant: A Theology for the Postmodern Jew (Paperback)

I enjoyed reading Rabbi Borowitz's book. It helped me rediscover my own faith and spiritual path.

0 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Reviewing the Covenant: A Theology for the Posetmodern Jew, March 8, 2007

By 

H. E. Melendy - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Renewing the Covenant: A Theology for the Postmodern Jew (Paperback)

The book arrived promptly and in first rate condition. I have examined but not yet read much of the book, but I know it will be valuable for my purposes.