Founded in Germany in 1912, Agudat Israel was the first comprehensive, international political movement among Orthodox Jews. This study examines the forces that led to its formation, setting its history into the context of both the millennial Jewish political tradition and the Jewish struggle with the disenchanting effects of modernity.
Mittleman shows that from its formation to the present, Agudah has represented the political interests of the most traditional members of the Jewish community. This book addresses the question of why such arch-traditionalists turned to politics, examines in detail the conflicts that shaped the movement’s character, and explores the movement’s relationship with prior expressions of Jewish political thought and practice.
Jadual kandungan
Preface
Introduction
1. Interpreting the Sacred Polity: The Concept of the Jewish Political Tradition
2. The Sacred Polity in Transition: Medieval Norms and Modern Ideals
3. Renewing the Sacred Polity: The Founding of Agudat Israel
Conclusion
Notes
Bibliography
Index
Mengenai Pengarang
Alan L. Mittleman is Associate Professor of Religion at Muhlenberg College. He is the author of
Between Kant and Kabbalah, also published by SUNY Press.