Produktdetaljer
Biografisk notat
Alan T. Levenson is Schusterman/Josey Chair of Jewish History at the University of Oklahoma, USA.What are some of the most enduring and pernicious historical misconceptions about Jews and the practice and history of their faith?
Examining many of the most widely held forms of anti-Semitic thinking, this addition to the Historical Facts and Fictions series addresses false beliefs about Jews and Judaism, among them that Jews in ancient Israel practiced Judaism, that Judaism opposes Christianity, that Jews are a race, and that Judaism thrived under Islam. Readers will gain an understanding of why a particular misconception rose and spread and the influence of the political, social, and economic contexts of the time. Finally, an exploration of the most plausible accounts of what really happened provides readers with an informed understanding of historical facts.
Preface
Introduction
Myth 1. Judaism Is the Religion of the Bible
Myth 2. Jews Are a Race
Myth 3. All Jews Practice Judaism
Myth 4. A Temple Is a Synagogue
Myth 5. Judaism Opposed Christianity
Myth 6. Jews Thrived under Islam
Myth 7. Hebrew Was a "Dead" Language
Myth 8. Zionism Is Racism
Myth 9. American Jews Are Rich, White, and Liberal
Epilogue
Bibliography
Index
About the Author
Did Nero really fiddle while Rome burned? Did the Egyptians really worship animals and gods with animal heads? History is full of misconceptions that have been passed down as historical facts and become rooted in the popular imagination. Books in the Historical Facts and Fictions series help readers think critically about the past and prepare them to be equally critical of the present.
· Each book focuses on a particular topic and begins with a summary essay of that period, event, or movement to introduce the topic to readers
· Each chapter tackles misconceptions head-on by taking a historical fiction and exploring what people think happened
· The next section explores why the story took hold in the public imagination, enabling readers to understand the political, social, and economic context of the time and how it contributed to the belief
· The third section explores what really happened, supported by extensive analysis and primary sources, so readers have an informed understanding of historical facts