What Shall I Do with This People?
Book Description
In the desert of Sinai, Moses cried out to God in frustration, "What shall I do with this people?" Today, that ancient question resonates with urgent relevance as Judaism faces its most profound internal crisis since the destruction of the Second Temple.
Milton Viorst presents a bold examination of how contemporary Jewish communities have become fractured by ideological warfare, with Orthodox interpretations of religious law creating divisions that extend far beyond theological debate. Drawing from the shocking assassination of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin by a religious extremist, Viorst traces how spiritual authority has been wielded throughout history to advance political agendas, often with devastating consequences.
The author challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths about how religious doctrines regarding sacred territory, marriage customs, conversion practices, and women's roles have evolved not from ancient Torah teachings, but from centuries of rabbinic interpretation designed to maintain institutional power. Viorst argues that this rigid orthodoxy has created such deep schisms within Jewish identity that it threatens the very survival of the Jewish people.
This work serves as both historical analysis and urgent commentary, calling for an end to violence justified by religious conviction. For those seeking to understand how spiritual communities can heal from internal conflict, Viorst offers a compelling plea for tolerance and mutual understanding among what scripture calls "a stiff-necked people." His voice provides clarity amid the complexity of faith, politics, and identity in the modern world.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~8 hours)
📄 Length: 288 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Orthodox Judaism
- ✓ Explore Sionisme
- ✓ Explore Identität
- ✓ Explore Ultra-Orthodox Jews
- ✓ Explore Rabbis
- ✓ Explore Judaism
- ✓ Explore Jodendom
- ✓ Explore Reformjudentum
