The Kuzari

by Judah Halevi, Jehuda Ibn-Tibbon (Translator)

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The Book of Kuzari is regarded as one the most important apologetic works of Jewish philosophy. It is one of the most famous works of the medieval Spanish Jewish philosopher and poet Judah Halevi and was completed around 1140. Divided into five parts, known as "ma'amarim" (articles), it takes the form of a dialogue between a rabbi and a pagan. The pagan is then mythologized as the king of the Khazars who has invited the rabbi to instruct him in the tenets of Judaism. Originally written in show more Arabic, the book was translated by numerous scholars, including Judah ben Saul ibn Tibbon, into Hebrew and other languages. The Kuzari takes place during a conversion of some Khazar nobility to Judaism, as conflict was increasing between the Muslims in the south of Spain and the Christians in the north, with the line moving back and forth. As the Christians advanced, Jewish communities came under pressure to convert in order to survive. Judah Hallevi ended up in Christian Toledo in his later life, and The Book of Kuzazri is a product of that period: a defense of the Jewish religion and people, with a unique philosophical underpinning based on Hallevi's studies and views. show less

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CUZARY

Cuzary de Yehuda Ha-Levi es una obra imprescindible que explora las profundidades de la fe, la filosofía y la identidad judía. A través de un diálogo entre el rey de los jázaros y un sabio judío, Ha-Levi ofrece una defensa apasionada del judaísmo, abordando temas como la creación del mundo, la existencia de Dios y la relación entre el hombre y el Creador.

Este libro es una guía para quienes buscan respuestas a las preguntas más profundas de la vida, presentando argumentos filosóficos y teológicos con una claridad y profundidad que resuenan a lo largo de los siglos. La obra destaca la importancia de la revelación divina y la experiencia profética, contrastándolas con las limitaciones de la razón humana.

Su narrativa show more que no sólo ilumina el pensamiento judío medieval, sino que también ofrece reflexiones atempo-rales sobre la naturaleza de la fe, la justicia divina y la búsqueda de la verdad. Cuzary es una invitación a explorar las raíces de la espiritualidad y a comprender la sabiduría eterna que subyace en la tradición judía. show less

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Translator
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Some Editions

Heinemann, Isaak (Translator)
Hirschfeld, Hartwig (Translator)
Hirschfeld, Hartwig (Translator)
Lamm, Louis (Foreword)
Slonimsky, Henry (Introduction)

Work Relationships

Common Knowledge

Canonical title
The Kuzari
Original title
Kitab al Khazari
Original publication date
1130-1140 (Arabic original) (Arabic original); 1905 (English translation by Hartwig Hirschfeld) (English translation by Hartwig Hirschfeld); 1964 (Introduction by Henry Slonimsky used in Schocken Books edition) (Introduction by Henry Slonimsky used in Schocken Books edition)
People/Characters
Judah Halevi; Al Khazari; The Rabbi; The Philosopher; The Doctor [Islamic]
First words
[From the Schocken Books edition]:

THE BOOK AL KHAZARI
Part One
I was asked to state what arguments and replies I could bring to bear against the attacks of philosophers and followers of other religions, and also... (show all) against [Jewish] sectarians who attacked the rest of Israel.
Last words
(Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)[From the Schocken Books edition]:
Completed is the book with the help of God and His assistance. Praise be without end to the Giver of Help.
Original language
Arabic

Classifications

Genres
Religion & Spirituality, Nonfiction, Philosophy, History
DDC/MDS
296ReligionOther religionsJudaism
LCC
BM550 .J813Philosophy, Psychology and ReligionJudaismJudaismPrinciples of Judaism (General)
BISAC

Statistics

Members
362
Popularity
86,884
Reviews
3
Rating
½ (4.57)
Languages
13 — Arabic, Czech, Dutch, English, Estonian, French, German, Hebrew, Italian, Judeo-Arabic, Latin, Portuguese, Spanish
Media
Paper, Ebook
ISBNs
20
ASINs
15