Arguably as anti-Semitism has diminished, the Jewish community has lost its way in the unceasing quest for social and political acceptance. The surprising thesis of this book (especially from the pen of a Rabbi) is that in the past anti-Semitism has in fact been a positive force in Jewish life.
As a pariah people, divided from the gentile world through prejudice and misunderstanding, Jewry has seen itself as a separate and alien community. paradoxically it is anti-Semitism, which has ensured its survival rather than threatening its existence. The book begins with a study of the impact of the Enlightenment on modern Jewish life. Now as a result of social acceptance, the Jewish community throughout the English-speaking world is undergoing a transformation. Jews have ceased to be dedicated to the Jewish heritage and the Jewish community is in chaos.
No longer is Judaism a unified tradition, providing a solid foundation for the Jewish people. The book points to a series of historical examples illustrating the author's thesis -- ways in which antipathy to Jews and Judaism stimulated Jewish life and growth.
