Table of Contents

Preface

Acknowledgments

Translations of Texts and Transliterations

Abbreviations

Introduction: The Mystery of Jewish Success

Part One. The Cultural Hypothesis Revisited: An Overview

1. Western Culture, Jewish Culture, and Four Key Values
2. Secular Jews (and Other Jews)

Part Two. The Cultural Hypothesis Revisited: The Core Argument

3. Human Autonomy I: Sin, Grace, and Salvation
4. Human Autonomy II: Religious Authority
5. Human Autonomy III: Reason and Philosophy
6. Freedom of Thought and Expression
7. Valuing Life in This World I: 100–1000 CE
8. Valuing Life in This World II: 1000–1800 CE
9. Education I: 100–1500 CE
10. Education II: 1500–1950 CE

Part Three. Final Matters

11. Conclusions

Epilogue: Lessons for Jews, Lessons for Everyone

Notes

Bibliography

Index

About the Author

Robert Eisen is a professor of religion and Judaic studies at George Washington University.

Reviews

"This book is a provocative and challenging work, yet worthy of being studied carefully. I recommend it to those who seek knowledge of religion in its interaction with society especially centred on the Jewish tradition and its modern developments in the West. I also recommend it to Muslims interested in comparing and contrasting the history of Judaism in the West and its reactions to Christianity with the history of this subject in the Islamic World." - S.H. Nasr, University Professor of Islamic Studies, The George Washington University

"Jews, Judaism, and Success stands out for its deep engagement with Jewish history and tradition across the centuries. The breadth of scholarship, balanced analysis, and diversity of sources make for fascinating reading. Robert Eisen's impressive scholarship ranges over the full spectrum of Jewish history and thought throughout the rabbinic, medieval, and modern eras. The lucid writing and balanced analysis make the book a pleasure to read." - Jeffrey L. Rubenstein, Skirball Professor of Jewish Thought and Literature, New York University

"In this pathbreaking study, Robert Eisen argues that it was the values that Rabbinic Judaism embodied from the first century onward - human autonomy, freedom of thought and expression, an emphasis on life in this world, and education and intellectual pursuits - that prepared Jews to make the most of Western society when it became open to them. This highly readable volume, which draws from a vast literature that ranges from the ancient to the contemporary and across multiple disciplines, should be required reading for those seeking to understand how any disenfranchised minority can overcome historic obstacles and nevertheless reach the highest levels of achievement." - Dov S. Zakheim, Former Under Secretary of Defense, USA, and author of The Prince and the Emperors: The Life and Times of Rabbi Judah the Prince

"Religion is often seen as a barrier to progress. But so often, it's a catalyst. This book is a fascinating exploration of how Jewish values have driven progress and change over the centuries, making the case that our values matter and that religion often does more than we realize." - Simran Jeet Singh, Executive Director for the Aspen Institute's Religion & Society Program, and author of The Light We Give: How Sikh Wisdom Can Transform Your Life

"This bold, erudite, and provocative attempt to explain Jews' disproportionate success in the modern period may not persuade all readers, but will challenge, inform, and instruct them. Eisen's comparison between Jewish and Christian approaches to key cultural values and his case for Rabbinic Judaism's lingering impact should reopen debate on subjects that more timid academics have been loath to engage." - Jonathan D. Sarna, University Professor and Joseph H. & Belle R. Braun Professor, Brandeis University, and author of American Judaism: A History