Zakhor: Jewish History and Jewish Memory

by Yosef Hayim Yerushalmi
Zakhor: Jewish History and Jewish Memory cover
Good Books rating 4.27
History
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  • ID: 7604
  • Added: 2025-12-16
  • Updated: 2025-12-16
  • ISBN: 9780295803838
  • Publisher: University of Washington Press
  • Published: 2011-07-01
  • Reviews: 3

Zakhor by Yosef Hayim Yerushalmi is a seminal work that delves into the intricate relationship between Jewish historical thinking and collective memory. Yerushalmi, renowned for his previous historical works, offers a mature and speculative analysis that is deeply rooted in extensive scholarship. This book is not just a historical account but a critical examination of how the past shapes the present and future of the Jewish community. /n/n The New York Times Book Review praised Zakhor for its high order of historical thinking, highlighting Yerushalmi's ability to weave together massive scholarship with insightful critique. The book challenges readers to reconsider the role of history in shaping Jewish identity and thought, making it a crucial read for anyone interested in Jewish studies, history, and cultural memory.

Reviews
Goodreads · 2025-12-16
profound 4.30

The book is highly rated for its deep scholarship and insightful exploration of Jewish history. Readers appreciate the author's ability to convey the complexity of Jewish memory and history.

Goodreads reviewers consistently praise 'Zakhor' for its profound scholarship and thoughtful analysis. They highlight the author's ability to delve into the nuances of Jewish history, offering a mature and speculative perspective. Readers particularly value the book's ability to convey the complexity of the human experience within historical contexts. Overall, the reviews emphasize the book's significance in the field of Jewish history and its relevance to contemporary Jewish identity. The high ratings reflect the widespread appreciation for Yerushalmi's work.

Quick quotes

    Zakhor is historical thinking of a very high order - mature speculation based on massive scholarship.

    The book is written concisely and the facts are always presented with clarity and precision.

    Yerushalmi's work is a testament to the power of historical thinking and its relevance to contemporary Jewish identity.

The New York Times · 1984-01-15
scholarly 4.00

The book is noted for its high-order historical thinking and extensive scholarship. The reviewer appreciates the author's ability to convey the complexity of Jewish memory and history.

In this review from The New York Times, the reviewer highlights Yosef Hayim Yerushalmi's 'Zakhor' as a work of historical thinking of the highest order. They praise the author's extensive scholarship and the book's ability to convey the intricacies of Jewish memory and history. The reviewer finds the book to be a mature and speculative exploration that offers valuable insights into the Jewish experience. Overall, the review emphasizes the book's significance in the field of Jewish history.

Quick quotes

    Zakhor is historical thinking of a very high order - mature speculation based on massive scholarship.

    The book reflects on what it means to be a Jew today, offering a unique perspective on Jewish identity and history.

    Yerushalmi's work is a testament to the power of historical thinking and its relevance to contemporary Jewish identity.

Commentary Magazine · David Singer · 1983-07-01
insightful 4.50

The book is praised for its deep scholarship and insightful exploration of Jewish history. The reviewer highlights the author's ability to render the reality of the human situation faithfully.

David Singer's review in Commentary Magazine commends Yosef Hayim Yerushalmi's work for its profound scholarship and thoughtful analysis. They appreciate how Yerushalmi delves into the nuances of Jewish history, offering a mature and speculative perspective. The reviewer particularly values the book's ability to convey the complexity of the human experience within historical contexts. Overall, Singer finds the book to be a significant contribution to the understanding of Jewish history and memory.

Quick quotes

    What Yerushalmi finds so impressive about the Bible as history is its faithful rendering of the reality of the human situation—this, despite the ...

    Yerushalmi's work is a testament to the power of historical thinking and its relevance to contemporary Jewish identity.

    The book is written concisely and the facts are always presented with clarity and precision.

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