Jews and Judaism in Modern China / Edition 1

by M. Avrum Ehrlich

Overview

Jews and Judaism in Modern China explores and compares the dynamics at work in two of the oldest, intact and starkly contrasting civilizations on earth; Jewish and Chinese. The book studies how they interact in modernity and how each civilization views the other, and analyses areas of cooperation between scholars, activists and politicians. Through evaluation of the respective talents, qualities and social assets that are fused and borrowed in the civilizational exchange, we gain an insight into the social processes underpinning two contrasting and long surviving civilizations.

Identifying and analysing some of the emerging current issues, this book suggests Jewish-Chinese relations may become a growing discipline of import to the study of religion and comparative identity, and looks at how the significant contrasts in Jewish and Chinese national constructs may serve them well in the quest for a meaningful discourse. Chapters explore identity, integrity of the family unit; minority status; religious freedom; ethics and morality; tradition versus modernity; the environment, and other areas which are undergoing profound transformation.

Identifying the intellectual and practical nexus and bifurcation between the two cultures, worldviews and identities, this work is indispensable for students of Chinese studies, sociology, religion and the Jewish diaspora, and provides useful reading for Western tourists to China.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780415457163
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	08/11/2009
Series:	Routledge Jewish Studies Series
Pages:	298
Product dimensions:	6.30(w) x 9.30(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

M. Avrum Ehrlich is a theologian, social philosopher and scholar of Jewish texts. He is a full professor of Judaic studies at the Center for Judaic and Inter-Religious Studies at Shandong University, a government funded national centre for inter-religious research in Jinan, Shandong Province, the People’s Republic of China and also serves as the Founding President of the Israel-Asia Center, based in Jerusalem.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction to Modern Jewish Chinese Relations 2. Chinese Perceptions of Jews 3. Food, Identity, Jews and Chinese 4. The Kosher Industry in China: Anatomy of a Growing Community 5. Jewish Studies in China 6. Diaspora, Identity and Relationship with Homeland