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Scholars who call for a reexamination of a religion or tradition in order to preserve or strengthen it often call for a stricter interpretation of scripture, a stronger commitment to observance of ritual, or perhaps an infusion of spirituality or the mystical. However Douglas Rushkoff, in his evaluation of and suggestions for the future of Judaism, questions its current manifestation in its entirety. He asks if the Judaism that is practiced in modern homes, temples and synagogues, the Judaism that is promoted by modern Jewish organizations, is in fact a viable and authentic Judaism at all. In NOTHING SACRED: The Truth About Judaism, Rushkoff takes the difficult stance that today's Judaism has strayed far from the principle themes and values that are actually the core of the tradition.
Rushkoff asserts that, as Jewish communities bemoan the loss of Jews through assimilation and intermarriage, and as the religion is split into factions divided over levels of religious observance, Jews labeled as "lapsed" or "secular" are in reality the ones carrying on the tradition in its purest, healthiest form. Three core values, according to Rushkoff, are at the center of Judaism: iconoclasm, abstract monotheism, and social justice. Through an examination of Jewish history and philosophy, he convincingly demonstrates how these three values are the foundation of Judaism and are most crucial. This rethinking of Jewish history and belief led Rushkoff to conclude that Judaism grew from an Egyptian labor movement that transformed itself over time and through contact with other cultures. Transformation, then, should be welcomed as a vital and positive force, not something negative or threatening. Transformation can refresh and revitalize Judaism.
Thus, Rushkoff proposes that the best and perhaps only path to the survival of Judaism, which feels itself to be in crisis in many ways, is a renaissance, where the central values are explored, internalized and appreciated above ritual in its variety of forms. He is not suggesting that Judaism discard all the cultural developments of the last two thousand years --- in fact, Torah is essential to his understanding of the tradition and for its continuation. However, a shift in perspective would allow creativity of thought, expression and self-understanding, and would open up Judaism to the so-called lapsed Jews and potentially introduce non-Jews to the Jewish worldview. Rushkoff therefore suggests what he calls "open-source" Judaism, which would operate similarly to open-source software; one would be free to take the ideas one needs, modify them in order to personalize them, and would then be encouraged to leave his or her own ideas, insights, and interpretations for others to explore. This is not cafeteria-style religion, however. Each person would be responsible for learning as much as possible about the religion and culture; the Jewish tradition of learning would not only continue but also become stronger and more personal.
All of Rushkoff's ideas are fascinating, from the emphasis on the core Judaic values, to his understanding of Jewish history, to open-source Judaism. NOTHING SACRED is a thoughtful evaluation of Judaism and, despite its grand concepts, is easy to read. This book will undoubtedly stir controversy, but in Rushkoff's scheme, that is not a bad thing at all. Dynamic debate, the personal versus the institutional, and active exploration are all part of the renaissance he is championing.
With implications for Jewish individuals (issues of observance and spirituality), families (intermarriage and assimilation), and communities (communal rituals and the relationship with Israel), NOTHING SACRED is an important addition to Jewish literature and thought. Rushkoff's theories will speak loudly and clearly to Jews disaffected and dissatisfied with the road contemporary Judaism has taken. It will also speak to Jews looking to engage more fully and deeply with their tradition. It should speak to all readers, Jews and non-Jews alike, as a call for conscious living, social justice, and cultural openness and acceptance.
--- Reviewed by Sarah Rachel Egelman
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