Avi Sagi's book ponders one of the most intriguing shifts in modern Jewish thought: from a metaphysical and theological stand-point toward a new manner of philosophising based primarily on practice. Different chapters study this great shift and its various manifestations. The central figure of this new examination is Isaiah Leibowitz, whose thoughts encapsulate more than any other Jewish thinker this stance of religion without metaphysics. Sagi explores corresponding issues such as observance, the possibility of pluralism, the meaning of penance without messianic suppositions, and pragmatic coping with theodicy after the Holocaust, presenting the different possibilities within this great alteration in Jewish thought.

About the Author
Avi Sagi (Ph.D. Bar-Ilan University, 1988) is a Professor at Bar-Ilan University and Senior Research Fellow, Shalom Hartman Institute, Jerusalem. His recent books include Circles of Jewish Identity (with Zvi Zohar), Tel Aviv, 2000; `Elu va Elu` A Study on the Meaning of Halakhic Discourse, Tel Aviv, 1996

Reviews
"In this book Sagi poses some interesting questions, centered on how one explains modern Judaism as a religion whose members, to a great degree, do not believe in God but remain true to the tenets of the religion. Sagi argues that post-Holocaust existentialism largely replaced the traditional religious beliefs of Judaism, yet the religion still survives. Examining the philosophical works of some of those who have influenced this movement, and analyzing what these conditions mean to the future of Judaism makes for thought-provoking reading. Several of the chapters in this book have previously appeared as journal articles." -- Annotation (c)2010 Book News Inc. Portland, OR



Book Information
ISBN 9781934843567
Author Avi Sagi
Format Paperback
Page Count 264
Imprint Academic Studies Press
Publisher Academic Studies Press
Weight(grams) 375g