Esther Benbassa Book order

The book delves into the concept of victimhood within the context of Judaism, exploring how this discourse shapes identity, culture, and community dynamics. It examines historical and contemporary narratives, highlighting the implications of victimhood on Jewish self-perception and societal interactions. Through critical analysis, the author investigates the complexities of victimhood, its impact on resilience, and the ways it influences Jewish thought and practice. This insightful work offers a nuanced perspective on a significant aspect of Jewish experience.

The book explores the concept of alterity within Jewish thought, emphasizing the longstanding tradition of dialogue and openness towards others despite current polarization in the Middle East. Authors Esther Benbassa and Jean-Christophe Attias argue that the Jewish experience of being a minority has shaped a unique perspective on self and society. They examine how this notion influences Judaism's interactions with themes such as divinity, femininity, and its relationships with the Christian West and the Muslim East, offering a morally compelling framework for understanding these encounters.

The book offers a comprehensive history of French Jewry from antiquity to the present, highlighting the social, economic, and cultural challenges faced by this diaspora community. Esther Benbassa explores the diverse Jewish experiences across various regions of France, illustrating how Jewish identity has evolved amid significant historical events, including the French Revolution and the Dreyfus affair. The narrative begins in late antiquity and follows Jewish migrations, their integration into French society, and the resurgence of interest in Judaism today.

Gabriel Arie's writings offer a rare autobiographical glimpse into the Eastern Sephardi community during a transformative period in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born in Ottoman Bulgaria, Arie navigated the cultural and political shifts that marked the decline of a centuries-old social order. His memoir captures the essence of the Sephardi and Levantine bourgeoisie, detailing his experiences as a teacher, historian, and community leader. The book includes his autobiography and journal, complemented by an analysis of his life within the broader Jewish and regional contexts.