The Shalom Hartman Institute has recently released a new book in its Yahaduyot series,
Judaism Without Illusion, which posthumously presents the work of
Eliezer Goldman (link is to his Hebrew Wikipedia page).
Goldman (1918-2002) was one of the most original and profound Jewish philosophers of our day. His work includes research and independent philosophic creation, and lays out a novel reading of Jewish sources in the light of contemporary philosophy.
His prolific creation, in part published in venues inaccessible to the wider public, and in part remaining archived, is gradually being revealed after his death. This new book, which anthologizes articles and research from different periods and on diverse topics, impresses on the reader the originality and diversity of Goldman’s oeuvre. Goldman’s clear, quiet and refreshing voice casts a new light on a variety of old and new questions, with which he dealt in an innovative way, with clarity and thoroughness.
This book is a continuation of his previous book, published during his life –
Research and Analysis – Present and Past Jewish Thought. The editors, Prof. Daniel Statman of the philosophy department at Haifa University and Prof
Avi Sagi of Bar-Ilan University and the Hartman Institute, edited both books, providing continuity and accord.
The new volume enables the reader to enter the laboratory in which the ideas took root, as Goldman dealt with the practical and existential questions about life on kibbutz, in religious society and in the State as it was built and established.
The book reveals the wonder of a philosophy that integrates the idea with the reality of contemporary Jewish life. The open character of the book is an invitation to the reader to be a partner in a new and original Jewish dialogue.
