A Hindu-Jewish Conversation: Root Traditions in Dialogue

A Hindu-Jewish Conversation: Root Traditions in Dialogue explores the conceptions of the divine, differences in attitude towards heroes, saints, and holy people, religious resources and challenges experienced by Hindu and Jewish women, theodicy, the status of "the land," and caste, and offers students of both traditions new ways of thinking about their intersections and the history of religion.

Format: Hardback
Length: 346 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2024
Publisher: Lexington Books

A Hindu-Jewish Conversation: Root Traditions in Dialogue is a profound exploration of the historical, theological, and phenomenological intersections between the Hindu and Jewish traditions, two "root" traditions that have given rise to diverse religious traditions. In this engaging book, Rachel Fell McDermott and Daniel F. Polish delve into various aspects of these traditions, including conceptions of the divine, differing attitudes towards heroes, saints, and holy people, the experiences of Hindu and Jewish women in religious life, the comparison of Hindu devotional poetry and the Book of Psalms, the exploration of theodicy, the status of "the land" and nationalist claims, and the uncomfortable question of caste and its potential social parallels in the Jewish tradition.

The authors skillfully weave these topics into an ongoing conversation that offers students of both traditions a fresh perspective on their shared heritage and the broader history of religion. Through their thoughtful analysis, they challenge readers to think critically about the complexities and contradictions within these traditions and explore new ways of understanding their intersections.

A coda at the end of the book provides a real-life account of a series of discussions convened between Hindu and Jewish practitioners, further enriching the reader's understanding of these complex traditions. This conversational approach allows students to engage with the material on a personal level and encourages them to consider the relevance of these ancient traditions in contemporary society.

Overall, A Hindu-Jewish Conversation: Root Traditions in Dialogue is a valuable resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in exploring the rich tapestry of religious traditions and their historical connections. It offers a comprehensive and nuanced perspective on these traditions, providing a deeper understanding of their complexities and fostering a greater appreciation for their shared heritage.

ISBN-13: 9781793646545