Customer Reviews

Sephardi Religious Responses to Modernity (The Sherman Lecture Series, Vol. 1)

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This book really does a lot and goes a long way in breaking down various issues that exist in Jewish communities worldwide. The topic of how Sephardim responded to modernity is a topic that is timely and needed in this current time where non-Ashkeanzi history is but a stub in many areas of Jewish education, especially in the religious world.

This book essentially talks about how historically Sephardic Jews from southern Europe, North Africa and Jews of the Middle East have handled changes in society. It deals with the issue from the correct angle for the Sepphardic and Mizrahi communities in a way that doesn't separate religion from the culture. For example even secular Sephardic Jews interact with the religious elements of their culture. It also discusses the differences between Sephardic leadership and Ashkenazi leadership in this area of dealing with change in culture and society.

The book is a short read (86 pages of text), but it is an important educational tool that is needed in both the Ashkenazi and Sephardi communities. I believe that this is the kind of book that NEEDS to be an essential part of Jewish education. As a Sephardi Jew I feel this books helps me understand the positives and the issues in my own culture and understanding these things helps in determining what I should do for children I will have in the future in order for them to be proud of their culture.