Conflicting Visions: Spiritual Possibilities of Modern Israel - Hardcover

These penetrating essays project a refreshing yet sobering analysis of religion's role in the state of Israel. Hartman effectively summarizes the dangers posed by the secular community, the feverishly messianic right-wing groups, and the ghettoized religious extremists who repudiate the state. He includes an intriguing synopsis of the philosophy of gadfly Yeshayahu Leibowitz and pithy chapters on Maimonides, Soloveitchik, Heschel, and Kaplan. In the past two decades, Hartman's views have undergone marked changes, but he remains passionately committed to the concepts of tolerance and religious pluralism. He subscribes to a rational intellectual approach to Judaism and eschews the mystical and messianic trends that are rapidly gaining ascendancy. His is a sane voice among the many discordant sounds emanating from Israel. The essays are of uneven quality but offer a marvelous springboard for lively discussion.
- Carol R. Glatt, Northeastern Hosp . of Philadelphia
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

In these energetic, pointed essays, Orthodox rabbi Hartman plants seeds for a Jewish spiritual renewal embracing the alienated and the faithful. A voice of tolerance, he urges Israelis to accept responsibility for building a total society that would grant political dignity to Palestinian Arabs if they are willing to renounce the quest for military power. He calls for religious pluralism in Israel where Reform and Conservative rabbis are forbidden to perform weddings. In seeking to engage a generation that is estranged from the traditional framework of Jewish spirituality, he presents a sustained dialogue with such contemporary Jewish thinkers as Mordecai Kaplan and his own mentor, Rabbi Joseph Soloveitchik. Hartman, who teaches at Hebrew University in Jerusalem, remains confident and hopeful, though his tone is urgent.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.