The ubiquity of friendship in human culture contributes to the fallacy that it is universal. It is only when we begin to inquire into the nature and significance of the concept in specific contexts that we discover how complex it truly is. Covering the vast expanse of Jewish tradition, from ancient Israel to the twenty-first century, this collection of essays traces the history of the beliefs, rituals, and social practices surrounding friendship in Jewish life. Employing diverse methodological approaches, this volume explores the particulars of the many varied forms that friendship has taken in the different regions where Jews have lived, including the ancient Near East, the Greco-Roman world, Europe, and the United Sates. The four sections-friendship between men, friendship between women, challenges to friendship, and friendships that cross boundaries (especially between Jews and Christians, men and women) represent and exemplify universal themes and questions about human interrelationships. This pathbreaking and timely study will inspire further research and provide the groundwork for future explorations of the topic. In addition to the editor, the contributors are Martha Ackelsberg, Michela Andreatta, Joseph Davis, Glenn Dynner, Eitan Fishbane, Susannah Heschel, Daniel Jutte, Eyal Levinson, Saul Olyan, George Savran, and Hava Tirosh-Samuelson.

Book Information
ISBN 9780271087948
Author Lawrence Fine
Format Hardback
Page Count 256
Imprint Pennsylvania State University Press
Publisher Pennsylvania State University Press
Weight(grams) 152g