Israel and the Nations: The Bible, the Rabbis, and Jewish-Gentile Relations (Emunot: Jewish Philosophy and Kabbalah)

The book "Israel and the Nations" by Eugene Korn is a study of the relationship between the Jewish people and the nations of the world as seen through the lens of the Bible and rabbinic literature. Korn argues that the Bible presents a consistent and coherent view of Israel's relationship with the nations, one that is based on the belief that Israel is a chosen people with a special mission to be a light to the nations. This mission is rooted in God's covenant with Abraham and is expressed in the Torah, which is the foundation of Israel's religious and national identity.

The book is divided into three parts. Part One examines the biblical texts that deal with Israel's relationship with the nations, from the call of Abraham to the Babylonian exile. Korn shows how these texts present a consistent view of Israel as a people who are both separate from and yet connected to the nations. They are separate in that they are called to be a holy people, set apart from the nations by their covenant with God. But they are also connected to the nations in that they are called to be a blessing to the nations, to share the knowledge of God with them and to be a model of righteousness and justice.

Part Two of the book examines the rabbinic literature that deals with Israel's relationship with the nations. Korn shows how the rabbis interpreted the biblical texts in light of their own experiences living in a world dominated by non-Jewish powers. They developed a complex and nuanced view of the nations, one that recognized both the potential for hostility and the possibility for cooperation. The rabbis also developed a number of strategies for how Jews should relate to the nations, including the idea of "living in exile" and the concept of "the chosen people."

Part Three of the book explores the implications of the biblical and rabbinic texts for contemporary Jewish-Gentile relations. Korn argues that the Bible and the rabbis offer a valuable resource for understanding the complex relationship between Jews and non-Jews. He also argues that the insights of the Bible and the rabbis can help to inform the ongoing dialogue between Jews and Christians.

"Israel and the Nations" is a comprehensive and thought-provoking study of the relationship between the Jewish people and the nations of the world. Korn's work is based on a deep knowledge of the biblical and rabbinic texts, and he offers a fresh and nuanced perspective on this important topic. The book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in Jewish-Gentile relations, and it is sure to stimulate further discussion and debate.