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Antisemitism, as hatred of Jews and Judaism, has been a central problem of Western civilization for millennia. Antisemitism: A Very Short Introduction untangles the history of the phenomenon, from ancient religious conflict to ‘new’ antisemitism in the 21st century. It reveals how antisemitism grew as a political and ideological movement in the 19th century, how it reached its dark apogee in the Holocaust, and how it still persists around the world today. This new edition brings this examination of the complex and controversial issue up to date with a discussion of antisemitism in light of the 2008 financial crash, the Arab Spring, and the on-going crisis between Israel and Palestine.Less

For millennia, Jews have defied odds by overcoming the travails of exile, persecution, and recurring plans for their annihilation. Jewish History: A Very Short Introduction points to two unlikely factors to explain the survival of the Jews: antisemitism and assimilation. Usually regarded as grave dangers, these two factors have continually interacted with one other to enable the persistence of the Jews. At every turn in their history, Jews have adapted to new environments, cultures, languages, and social norms through a process of assimilation, but full assimilation has been checked by the nearly constant presence of hatred toward the Jew. Antisemitism has affirmed the Jews’ sense of difference from the host society.Less

Who are the Jews? What does the term ‘Jewish’ mean? How has Judaism developed? How will Judaism change in the future? Judaism: A Very Short Introduction outlines the basics of practical Judaism—its festivals, prayers, customs, and various sects—and considers how Judaism has responded to, and dealt with, key issues and debates such as the impact of the Holocaust and the establishment of the State of Israel. The relationship between Judaism and the Muslim faith is considered along with how Judaism is perceived and understood in the twenty-first century. What impact has Zohar and Kabbala had on contemporary culture? How does Judaism deal with issues such as homosexuality and gay marriage?Less

Kabbalah: A Very Short Introduction looks at the history and character of the systems developed by adherents of the Kabbalah and examines the key ancient texts of this tradition, including the Sefer Yezira or ‘Book of Creation’, The Book of Bahir, and the Zohar. Embraced by celebrities and integrated in many contemporary spiritual phenomena, Kabbalah has reaped a wealth of attention in recent years. But many critics argue that the form of Kabbalah practised in Hollywood is more New Age pabulum than authentic tradition. Can there be a positive role for the Kabbalah in the contemporary quest for spirituality? What is the relationship between Kabbalah and Christianity on the one hand and New Age religion on the other?Less

Zionism: A Very Short Introduction explores the history of Zionism from the origins of modern Jewish nationalism in the 1870s to the present. While situating the history of Zionism within the wider context of Middle Eastern politics, British colonialism, and the policies of the State of Israel since its founding in 1948, this VSI focuses on its internal intellectual history and ideological developments and divides. It illuminates the development of the Zionist ideology from the appearance of Herzl to the Weizmann Era, from the creation of the state of Israel and the Six Day War of 1967 to the rise of the Peace Now movement.Less