Description: Encounters of Consequence provides an introduction to and deeper analysis of the situation of Jewish philosophy beginning in the last century. It charts Jewish philosophy's engagement with modernity and post-modernity along two overlapping axes--issues and persons--which often intersect. Key issues in modern Jewish philosophy are raised, including: the nature of Judaism and Jewish identity, the quests for meaning and continuity, the value of remaining a Jew, and the relevance of Jewish law, as well as the challenges of secularism, modern history (including the Holocaust), feminism and religious pluralism. Featured are many philosophers of encounter: Franz Rosenzweig, Martin Buber, and Emmanuel Levinas, as well as Joseph Soloveitchik, Gershom Scholem, Arthur Cohen, Eliezer Schweid, Emil Fackenheim, and Irving Greenberg.
Review Quotes: "This book of essays is in Michael Oppenheim's distinctive voice--intelligent, insightful, and sensitive to all the important issues. Always informed and thoughtful, Oppenheim brings out the best in his subjects. In his criticism, he always seeks to illuminate rather than score points, and in dealing with some of the significant thinkers of our time he makes a valuable and important contribution to all who are interested in modern Jewish thought."--Rabbi Irving Greenberg, Past President of the Jewish Life Network, Past Chairman of the United States Holocaust Council