The Jewish Encounter with Hinduism : History, Spirituality, Identity

Hinduism has become a vital 'other' for Judaism over the past decades. The book surveys the history of the relationship from historical to contemporary times, from travellers to religious leadership. It explores the potential enrichment for Jewish theology and spirituality, as well as the challenges for Jewish identity.

Hinduism has become a vital ''other'' for Judaism over the past decades. A new relationship, that is not colored by a history of persecution and competition, suggests new parameters for Judaism''s engagement with world religions at large. This book surveys the history of the relationship between the two religions  - from historical to contemporary times, and from travellers to religious leadership. It analyses high-profile events such as public burning of wigs made of Indian hair and the statements of religious leadership acknowledging the validity of both traditions. It explores the opportunities that encounters with Hinduism present for the potential enrichment of Jewish theology. Alon Goshen-Gottstein dissects these possibilities by looking at the life stories of Jews who have immersed themselves in Hinduism. He investigates what these Jews have received and the ways in which their experiences have impacted their identities. The Jewish Encounter with Hinduism engages the theological challenges of a future-dialogue between Hinduism and Judaism and considers how the present Jewish encounter with Hinduism can be a source of theological and spiritual regeneration.