How to behave in the diaspora has been a central problem for
Jews over the ages. They have debated whether to assimilate by
adopting local customs or whether to remain a God-centered people
loyal to their temporal rulers but maintaining the peculiar customs
that separated them from their host nations. The question not only
of survival, but of the basis for survival, is also a central
problem in the Joseph stories of the Book of Genesis. The work
shows its readers the grand alternatives of Judaism, instilled in
two larger-than-life figures, so its readers can reassess for
themselves the road Judaism did not take, and understand why Joseph
though admirable in many respects, is left out of the rest of the
Bible.
The question is answered through the stories about how Joseph,
the son of Jacob, saved his people/family from famine by becoming a
high-ranking administrator to Pharaoh. By analyzing his behavior to
the people over whom he exercises power, Joseph lords it over his
brothers, grieves his father, takes lands from Egyptian farmers,
and engages in forced deportation. Wildavsky explains why
Joseph-the-assimilator is replaced in the Book of Exodus by
Moses-the-lawgiver. The book ends by demonstrating that Joseph and
Moses are, and are undoubtedly meant to be exact opposites.
As in his earlier book on "The Nursing Father: Moses as a
Political Leader," Wildavsky combines analysis of political and
administrative leadership with both traditional and modern study of
texts: thematic linkages via plot, grammar, dreams, poetry, and
religious doctrine. Thus the chapter on "Joseph the Administrator"
is preceded by a chapter on Joseph as The Dream Lord" and followed
by an analysis and explanation of why Jacob's obscure blessings to
his sons are more like curses. Always the emphasis is on the
reciprocal influence of religion and politics, on rival answers to
questions about how Hebrews should relate to each other and to
outsiders. New, in paperback, the book will be of interest to
biblical scholars and readers as well as those concerned with the
interaction of religion and political life.
General
Is the information for this product incomplete, wrong or inappropriate?
Let us know about it.
Does this product have an incorrect or missing image?
Send us a new image.
Is this product missing categories?
Add more categories.
Review This Product
No reviews yet - be the first to create one!
Welcome to Loot.co.za!
Sign in / Register |Wishlists & Gift Vouchers |Help | Advanced search
