Review by Choice Review
Put briefly, Cohn-Sherbok traces the development of the Jews from their origins in Mesopotamia to the present day, through a consideration of their habits and customs, doctrines and practices, values and ideals, outlook and philosophy. Attention is also given to snatches of Jewish history in different climes and times, and a final chapter evaluates the Jewish agenda for future survival. Cohn-Sherbok's chapters represent brief and suggestive treatment of important themes, but his critical acumen is somewhat shoddy. He questions the Mosaic authorship of the Pentateuch but maintains that the Rabbis said what is traditionally attributed to them. He collects results of previous research, but it shrinks from lack of documentation and from the formidable demands of an extraordinary gamut of data. His sense of a homogenous tradition until Enlightenment appears superficial, as does his explanation for why pivotal events in Jewish history, from Abraham to post-Auschwitz, are what they are. Also, the author waxes preacherly more than is necessary. Nonetheless, his genuine concern of what is meant by the Jewish religion and tradition, and what we can learn from the Jewish heritage, is laudable. No glossary nor substantial bibliography, but recent research (scholars unidentified) is cited throughout the text. Z. Garber Los Angeles Valley College
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
