Jews Against Jews: The Rise and Fall of Jewish Anti-Semitism

A History of Jewish Self-Hatred

In his groundbreaking book, "Jews Against Jews: The Rise and Fall of Jewish Anti-Semitism," Yakov Rabkin delves into the complex and often overlooked phenomenon of Jewish anti-Semitism. Drawing on a wealth of historical sources and personal testimonies, Rabkin argues that Jewish self-hatred has been a persistent force throughout Jewish history, and that it has had a profound impact on Jewish identity, culture, and politics.

The Roots of Jewish Self-Hatred

Rabkin traces the roots of Jewish self-hatred back to the early days of Christianity, when Jews were increasingly marginalized and persecuted by the dominant Christian society. This persecution led to a deep sense of inferiority and self-loathing among many Jews, who internalized the negative stereotypes that were propagated about them.

Jewish Self-Hatred in Modern Times

In modern times, Jewish self-hatred has manifested itself in a variety of ways, including:

• Assimilation: Many Jews have sought to escape anti-Semitism by assimilating into the dominant culture, often at the expense of their Jewish identity.
• Conversion: Some Jews have converted to other religions, such as Christianity or Islam, in order to escape the stigma of being Jewish.
• Anti-Zionism: Some Jews have become vocal critics of the State of Israel, arguing that it is a racist and oppressive state that does not represent the true interests of the Jewish people.

The Consequences of Jewish Self-Hatred

Jewish self-hatred has had a devastating impact on the Jewish community. It has led to a loss of Jewish identity, a sense of shame and inferiority, and a deep division within the Jewish community.

Overcoming Jewish Self-Hatred

Rabkin argues that the only way to overcome Jewish self-hatred is to confront it head-on and to challenge the negative stereotypes that have been perpetuated about Jews. He calls on Jews to embrace their Jewish identity and to work together to build a more just and equitable world.

A Must-Read for Anyone Interested in Jewish History and Identity

"Jews Against Jews" is a powerful and provocative book that challenges conventional wisdom about Jewish identity and anti-Semitism. It is a must-read for anyone interested in Jewish history, Jewish culture, and the future of the Jewish people.

Praise for "Jews Against Jews"

"A groundbreaking work that sheds new light on a complex and often overlooked phenomenon. Rabkin's analysis is both insightful and provocative, and his book is a must-read for anyone interested in Jewish history and identity." - Jonathan Sarna, Brandeis University

"A powerful and important book that challenges conventional wisdom about Jewish anti-Semitism. Rabkin's work is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the complex history of Jewish-Christian relations." - David Nirenberg, University of Chicago

"A fascinating and thought-provoking book that offers a new perspective on Jewish identity and the history of anti-Semitism. Rabkin's work is a major contribution to the field of Jewish studies." - Deborah Lipstadt, Emory University