Guides For an Age of Confusion Studies in the Thinking of Avraham Y. Kook and Mordecai M. Kaplan

by Cohen, Jack J.

• ISBN13: 9780823220038
• ISBN10: 0823220036
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1999-01-01
• Publisher: Fordham University Press

Summary

Guides for an Age of Confusion compares and contrasts the views of the two great Jewish philosophers Avraham Y. Kook and Mordecai M. Kaplan. Although these two thinkers stand at opposite ends of the spectrum of Jewish thought, they are united in their love for the Jewish people and in their belief in the need for Jewish unity. Following an introduction to both men, the author, a disciple of KaplanÆs, explores their views regarding some of the most important issues confronting the Jewish people today. These include traditions such as IsraelÆs chosenness; the status of the Halakhah, traditional Jewish law, in todayÆs society; prayer and its revitalization; repentance (Teshuvah) leading to the return to God; and the role of Eretz Yisrael in the life of the Jewish people. Other topics covered are the idea of and the search for God, the position of women in Jewish society, and philosophies of education, along with an exploration of esthetics in Jewish life and the challenges of democracy. Each chapter provides an overview of the subject and then discusses the divergent views of the two thinkers, as well as their areas of agreement. Finally, the book endeavors to portray the future of Jewish life as envisaged through the eyes of these two great men. In the authorÆs view, a dialogue must be established between the followers of both Kook and Kaplan. Only in this way can Jewish solidarity be maintained and the Jewish future secured. This book is an effort to open that dialogue.

Author Biography

Bom in America, Jack J. Cohen is a Reconstructionist rabbi living in Jerusalem, Israel.

Table of Contents

Preface	ix
Abbreviations	xv
Why This Confrontation? An Introduction	1	(17)
Two Worlds	18	(30)
The Mystic and the Rationalist	48	(27)
Halakhah and Modern Society	75	(35)
The Search for God	110	(28)
Prayer	138	(25)
Teshuvah	163	(18)
Values	181	(23)
Jewish Identity and Character	204	(18)
Chosenness and Responsibility	222	(25)
Exile and Redemption: The Role of Eretz Yisrael	247	(28)
Jewish Education	275	(34)
Judaism and Democracy	309	(20)
On Women	329	(15)
Judaism and Esthetics	344	(15)
An Excursion to the Future	359	(12)
Glossary	371	(4)
Index	375