Islam and Jewish-German Self-Understanding

Book Description

In this thoughtful exploration of religious and cultural intersections, scholar Susannah Heschel examines the profound historical relationship between Judaism and Islam through a distinctly German-Jewish lens. Drawing from the medieval scholar S.D. Goitein's observation that "Islam saved the Jewish people," Heschel investigates how this statement encompasses not only theological similarities between the two faiths but also Islam's protective role throughout Jewish history.

The book delves into the scholarly engagement of Jewish religious thinkers like Abraham Geiger with Islamic traditions, revealing how German-Jewish intellectuals approached the study of Islam. Heschel poses compelling questions about whether a specifically German-Jewish form of Orientalism existed and how the mutual attraction between Judaism and Islam might reshape our understanding of European Orientalist scholarship.

Through careful analysis of this long-standing coexistence, readers discover how two major world religions have influenced each other across centuries of shared history. The work offers insights into how religious communities can find common ground while maintaining their distinct identities. For those interested in interfaith dialogue, religious history, and the complex dynamics of cultural exchange, this study provides a nuanced perspective on how spiritual traditions can serve as sources of mutual protection and intellectual enrichment.

Heschel's examination reveals the intricate ways religious understanding develops within specific cultural contexts, offering readers a deeper appreciation for the interconnected nature of spiritual traditions.