Jews, Judaism, and Success: How Religion Paved the Way to Modern Jewish Achievement

“In this thoughtful and important book, Robert Eisen tackles a delicate yet vital question – the reasons for Jewish economic and cultural prominence in the modern Western world. Eisen makes a convincing case for the long-term influences of Jewish religious civilization on generations of secularizing Jews. Clearly written, carefully argued, and thoroughly researched, this book deserves a wide readership and lively discussion.” Derek Penslar, William Lee Frost Professor of Jewish History, Harvard University

“With the same erudition and care that he has brought to his studies of medieval Jewish philosophy and the ethics of war and peace in Judaism, Robert Eisen here tackles the thorny question of how to account for the striking range and extent of Jewish accomplishments in modern societies. His answer – that long-nourished religious values of personal autonomy, freedom of thought, this-worldliness, and education uniquely prepared Jewish culture to thrive under the conditions of modernity – is developed in a clear and accessible fashion without sacrificing historical nuance. Given its many merits, Jews, Judaism, and Success deserves a wide readership, and given its subject, it will be sure to spark lively debate.” William A. Barbieri Jr., Ordinary Professor of Religious Ethics, The Catholic University of America

“Robert Eisen makes a strong case for young Jews deeply exploring Rabbinic texts. Every Jewish day school educator and lay stakeholder – whether secular, Reform, Conservative, community, or Modern Orthodox – should read this book as a guide to creating an impactful curriculum; one that will strengthen our next generation of Jews. As Eisen correctly claims, Jews can sustain continued success if we strike the right balance between maintaining Jewish identity and being open to Western culture. That, in fact, is one of the mandates of any Jewish day school and is expressed articulately in this scholarly yet accessible work.” Sharon Freundel, Managing Director of the Jewish Education Innovation Challenge

“In this provocative book, Robert Eisen demonstrates that traditional religious values cannot be simply washed out by the tidal waves of modernity. They run much deeper into the conscious as well as unconscious operations of the modern minds, and they exert powerful influences even on those who are staunchly committed to secularism. Eisen’s story of Jewish success thus not only offers a new understanding of Rabbinic Judaism in the making of the Western world. More pertinently, it compels us to rethink the role of religion for all peoples who have undergone a sea of changes regarding reforms and revolutions in modern history.” Xiaofei Kang, Associate Professor of Chinese Religion, Department of Religion, The George Washington University

“Covering 2,000 years of intellectual and social history, Jews, Judaism, and Success could only have been written by a mature scholar like Eisen, who is well acquainted with the sweep of Jewish and Christian and secular intellectual history and knows the scholarly literature. In this well-written and organized book, Eisen has found a way to address both academics and the general audience interested in such issues.” Martin I. Lockshin, Professor Emeritus of Humanities, York University

“Robert Eisen has asked a question that has intrigued Jews and non-Jews alike, and he offers answers that pierce the biases so often at play. His thesis is provocative, and his conclusions demand renewed engagement with the enduring legacy of Rabbinic Judaism. This is great news for rabbis and scholars of Judaism, each of whom, I believe, is obligated to consider the contributions of Eisen’s book. But it is even better news for those who seek insight into how to expand the ability of society and all of its participants to thrive.” Rabbi Dr. (Hon.) Jack Moline, Rabbi Emeritus, Agudas Achim Congregation, and President Emeritus, Interfaith Alliance

“With thorough and up-to-date scholarship, this book argues that the political, economic, and cultural success of modern Jews is due to the continuing influence of Rabbinic Judaism and its values on modern Jews, even when most have long ceased to be governed by the authority of Rabbinic Judaism. Jews, Judaism, and Success definitely makes a significant contribution to its field.” David Novak, Professor and J. Richard and Dorothy Shiff Chair of Jewish Studies, University of Toronto

“Jews, Judaism, and Success stands out for its deep engagement with Jewish history and tradition across the centuries. The breadth of scholarship, balanced analysis, and diversity of sources make for fascinating reading. Robert Eisen’s impressive scholarship ranges over the full spectrum of Jewish history and thought throughout the rabbinic, medieval, and modern eras. The lucid writing and balanced analysis make the book a pleasure to read.” Jeffrey L. Rubenstein, Skirball Professor of Jewish Thought and Literature, New York University

“This bold, erudite, and provocative attempt to explain Jews’ disproportionate success in the modern period may not persuade all readers, but will challenge, inform, and instruct them. Eisen’s comparison between Jewish and Christian approaches to key cultural values and his case for Rabbinic Judaism’s lingering impact should reopen debate on subjects that more timid academics have been loath to engage.” Jonathan D. Sarna, University Professor and Joseph H. & Belle R. Braun Professor, Brandeis University, and author of American Judaism: A History

“In this pathbreaking study, Robert Eisen argues that it was the values that Rabbinic Judaism embodied from the first century onward – human autonomy, freedom of thought and expression, an emphasis on life in this world, and education and intellectual pursuits – that prepared Jews to make the most of Western society when it became open to them. This highly readable volume, which draws from a vast literature that ranges from the ancient to the contemporary and across multiple disciplines, should be required reading for those seeking to understand how any disenfranchised minority can overcome historic obstacles and nevertheless reach the highest levels of achievement.” Dov S. Zakheim, Former Under Secretary of Defense, USA, and author of The Prince and the Emperors: The Life and Times of Rabbi Judah the Prince

“Religion is often seen as a barrier to progress. But so often, it’s a catalyst. This book is a fascinating exploration of how Jewish values have driven progress and change over the centuries, making the case that our values matter and that religion often does more than we realize.” Simran Jeet Singh, Executive Director for the Aspen Institute’s Religion & Society Program, and author of The Light We Give: How Sikh Wisdom Can Transform Your Life

"This book is a provocative and challenging work, yet worthy of being studied carefully. I recommend it to those who seek knowledge of religion in its interaction with society especially centred on the Jewish tradition and its modern developments in the West. I also recommend it to Muslims interested in comparing and contrasting the history of Judaism in the West and its reactions to Christianity with the history of this subject in the Islamic World."

S.H. Nasr, University Professor of Islamic Studies, The George Washington University