Further Details

Title: Suffering as Identity
Condition: New
Subtitle: The Jewish Paradigm
Author: Esther Benbassa
Translator: G. M. Goshgarian
Contributor: G. M. Goshgarian (Translated by)
Format: Paperback
ISBN-10: 1844674045
EAN: 9781844674046
ISBN: 9781844674046
Publisher: Verso Books
Genre: Society & Culture
Topic: Social Sciences
Release Date: 02/03/2010
Description: Reaching from biblical times to the present day, Esther Benbassa's prize-winning exploration of Jewish identity is both epic and comprehensive. She shows how in the Jewish world, the representation and ritualization of suffering have shaped the history of both the people and the religion.
Benbassa argues that the nineteenth century gave rise to a Jewish 'lachrymose' historiography, and that Jewish history was increasingly seen to be a 'vale of tears'-a development that has become even more pronounced since the Holocaust. The treatment of the Holocaust in the State of Israel now has the form of a civil religion. In principle within reach of everyone, the 'duty of memory' and the uniqueness of the genocide have mitigated for many Jews the loss of other traditions. The Israeli government invokes the memory of the Holocaust to neutralize threats to its interests-ensuring that suffering continues to be a central part of Jewish identity and positioning the State of Israeli as a redemptive force.
Language: English
Country/Region of Manufacture: GB
Item Height: 234mm
Item Length: 155mm
Item Width: 18mm
Item Weight: 346g
Release Year: 2010

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