Jack Shechter offers a detailed clarification of the ideational development within each of the tenets that flow from the Oneness of God that is the core of the monotheistic idea as it has evolved over the centuries. The Idea of Monotheism historically traces the concept of God as it emerged in the ongoing life of the people in specific time periods; it reflects the newly perceived perspectives about the deity due to changing times, locales, and climates of opinion. However, so profoundly One is God in Judaism, these transformations had not effect whatever on this eternally uniform substance. Thus, what man did over time was to uncover God's true nature; he unraveled that which was always there-the nonexistence of other gods and His universality.

The claim of the Jewish people to the Land of Israel is long established - and long challenged. Most Jews, and non-Jews, asked to explain their relationship with the actual physical territory of Israel, will offer some vague reference to God's promise, or historical right, or the place as "Holy Land." Even the Bible and some of its commentaries often present varied and contradictory perspectives about Israel and the Land. This fact, added to the confusion that accompanies conflicting theological and political perceptions, results in the claims and counterclaims that have led to continuing tension and confrontation among current peoples. In this book, Dr. Shechter steps forth into the ideological quicksand that surrounds the entire question of the relationship between God, the Jewish people, and the Land of Israel. This is a matter that Christians and Muslims, as well, are deeply preoccupied with as it relates to their own domains. The author explores in detail the perplexing issues that flow from the triad of God, Israel, and the Land. His analyses are rooted in the Biblical and rabbinic texts themselves, in addition to other scholarly disciplines impinging on the subject. Among others, the basic questions wrestled within this work include: -What are the theological and historical prisms through which the land of Israel is viewed? -What are the ramifications implicit in the notion that the land was "promised"? -What does a tradition have in mind when it designates a place - and Israel's place - as "holy"? -What has all this to do with the claims, conflicts, and confrontations that roil the Middle East in our time? A set of pointed questions prompted by the explorations in the work is included to assist in considering contemporary implications. This is a book that promises to bring clarity to issues of great moment - both in the past and in our time.

The claim of the Jewish people to the Land of Israel is long established - and long challenged. Most Jews, and non-Jews, asked to explain their relationship with the actual physical territory of Israel, will offer some vague reference to God's promise, or historical right, or the place as 'Holy Land.' Even the Bible and some of its commentaries often present varied and contradictory perspectives about Israel and the Land. This fact, added to the confusion that accompanies conflicting theological and political perceptions, results in the claims and counterclaims that have led to continuing tension and confrontation among current peoples. In this book, Dr. Shechter steps forth into the ideological quicksand that surrounds the entire question of the relationship between God, the Jewish people, and the Land of Israel. This is a matter that Christians and Muslims, as well, are deeply preoccupied with as it relates to their own domains. The author explores in detail the perplexing issues that flow from the triad of God, Israel, and the Land. His analyses are rooted in the Biblical and rabbinic texts themselves, in addition to other scholarly disciplines impinging on the subject. Among others, the basic questions wrestled within this work include: -What are the theological and historical prisms through which the land of Israel is viewed? -What are the ramifications implicit in the notion that the land was 'promised'? -What does a tradition have in mind when it designates a place - and Israel's place - as 'holy'? -What has all this to do with the claims, conflicts, and confrontations that roil the Middle East in our time? A set of pointed questions prompted by the explorations in the work is included to assist in considering contemporary implications. This is a book that promises to bring clarity to issues of great moment - both in the past and in our time.

This two-volume Journey of a Rabbi consists of essays describing ventures undertaken, events experienced, and ideas articulated that reflect the life work of a rabbi and Jewish educator. What threads its way throughout these writings is a persistent search for ways and means to revitalize Jewish life in our time. Written in lucid and compelling fashion, the story portrays early family influences and mentoring of a searching youth, experiences of a rabbinical student, army chaplain, and pulpit rabbi that brought into focus the tasks ahead. The story proceeds to detail the work as a denominational executive, which broadened concern for the larger community and return to pulpit work devoted to fashioning a "Synagogue-Center." It then segues into depiction of the comprehensive initiatives in education, the arts and community outreach as Dean at the University of Judaism. Interspersed throughout are "thought" essays about religious phenomena, faith, the personal life, the land of Israel, and "lessons learned" from a lifetime of experiences.

This two-volume Journey of a Rabbi consists of essays describing ventures undertaken, events experienced, and ideas articulated that reflect the life work of a rabbi and Jewish educator. What threads its way throughout these writings is a persistent search for ways and means to revitalize Jewish life in our time. Written in lucid and compelling fashion, the story portrays early family influences and mentoring of a searching youth, experiences of a rabbinical student, army chaplain, and pulpit rabbi that brought into focus the tasks ahead. The story proceeds to detail the work as a denominational executive, which broadened concern for the larger community and return to pulpit work devoted to fashioning a "Synagogue-Center." It then segues into depiction of the comprehensive initiatives in education, the arts and community outreach as Dean at the University of Judaism. Interspersed throughout are "thought" essays about religious phenomena, faith, the personal life, the land of Israel, and "lessons learned" from a lifetime of experiences.