JewishChristian Difference and Modern Jewish Identity: Seven Twentieth-Century Converts

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This book is an exploration of what would seem to be a simple question, but is actually the object of a profound questwho is a Jew This is a deeply complex issue, both within Judaism, and in interactions between Jews and Christians. JewishChristian Difference and Modern Jewish Identity: Seven Twentieth-Century Converts contends that in the twentieth century the JewishChristian relationship has changed to the extent that definitions of Jewish identity were reshaped. The stories of the seven influential and creative converts that are related in this book indicate that the borders dividing the Jewish and Christian faiths are, for many, more fluid and permeable than ever before.

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JewishChristian Difference and Modern Jewish Identity: Seven Twentieth-Century Converts offers a highly learned and intelligent analysis on important moments in the history of the encounters between Christianity and Judaism and the spiritual and communal journeys of individuals of both faiths in the twentieth century. Goldman has done a superb job of bringing to light important episodes of conversion to and from Judaism in the twentieth century, as well as reconstructing the historical eras and circumstances in which they had taken place. This is a fascinating and rich text, handled with great expertise and sensitivity. -- Yaakov Ariel, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Shalom Goldman has once again looked at the margins of Jewish identity in the world and produced a significant and fascinating book. JewishChristian Difference and Modern Jewish Identity: Seven Twentieth-Century Converts explores the much discussed and vexing question of 'Who is a Jew' through seven twentieth-century examples of conversion into and out of Judaism and points out that there is no simple answer. In the process, he touches on the whole range of religious and secular rulings and prejudices to highlight the social dilemmas of Jews in the modern world. For anyone who is Jewish or lives in a community where there are Jews, this book is an eye-opening, informative, well-researched, and important must-read. -- Gordon D. Newby, Emory University

Author Bio

Shalom Goldman is professor of religion and Middle Eastern studies at Duke University.