
Radical Then, Radical Now
Jonathan Sacks(Author)
Bloomsbury Continuum (Publisher)
Published on 8. May 2025
Book
Paperback/Softback
256 pages
978-1-3994-2071-6 (ISBN)
Description
Throughout history, the Jewish people have faced catastrophe after catastrophe. They have been expelled, ghettoised, murdered and forcibly converted. The question that Jonathan Sacks asks in this original and compelling book is not how Judaism survived four thousand years of persecution, but how it found ways to flourish and thrive.
Originally written as a wedding gift for his son over twenty years ago, now featuring a new foreword by Natan Sharansky, this revised edition is a reminder of the enduring beauty and wisdom of one of the world's oldest religions. A fascinating cultural and religious journey through Judaism's long history and the revolutionary ideas that shaped the moral civilisation of the West, Jonathan Sacks urges readers not to embrace secularisation or lose the script of the Jewish story but to add their own chapters instead. A deeply personal celebration of faith and community filled with hope for the future of the Jewish people, this book is a must-read for anyone who wishes to understand Judaism or deepen their faith and identity.
Originally written as a wedding gift for his son over twenty years ago, now featuring a new foreword by Natan Sharansky, this revised edition is a reminder of the enduring beauty and wisdom of one of the world's oldest religions. A fascinating cultural and religious journey through Judaism's long history and the revolutionary ideas that shaped the moral civilisation of the West, Jonathan Sacks urges readers not to embrace secularisation or lose the script of the Jewish story but to add their own chapters instead. A deeply personal celebration of faith and community filled with hope for the future of the Jewish people, this book is a must-read for anyone who wishes to understand Judaism or deepen their faith and identity.
Reviews / Votes
These paperback editions of his timeless works celebrate his legacy for today. With stunning new covers and forewords by brilliant writers from around the world, they are perfect for anyone wishing to reacquaint themselves with Rabbi Sacks' writing, and for introducing a new generation to his evergreen wisdom. * Jewish News *More details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Dimensions
Height: 129 mm
Width: 198 mm
Thickness: 18 mm
Weight
186 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-3994-2071-6 (9781399420716)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Jonathan Sacks
Radical Then, Radical Now
E-Book
07/2025
1st Edition
Bloomsbury Continuum
€12.49
Available for download
Person
Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks was Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of Britain and the Commonwealth. He was the author of numerous books, including Celebrating Life, From Optimism to Hope, The Persistence of Faith and The Dignity of Difference, for which he won a Grawemeyer Award in Religion.
Content
Preface
Prologue
Part I: The Question
1. Why Be Jewish?
2. Answers
3. Who Am I? Who Are We?
4. A Letter in the Scroll
Part II: The Journey
5. A Palace in Flames
6. The Idea of Man
7. Conventional Mortality
8. The Chosen People
Part III: The Vision
9. Exodus and Revelation
10. Covenantal Society
11. Tragedy and Triumph
12. Truth Lived
Part IV: The Future
13. In the Valley of the Shadow
14. Ambivalence and Assimilation
15. This is Ours
16. Why Am I a Jew?
References
Acknowledgements
Index
Prologue
Part I: The Question
1. Why Be Jewish?
2. Answers
3. Who Am I? Who Are We?
4. A Letter in the Scroll
Part II: The Journey
5. A Palace in Flames
6. The Idea of Man
7. Conventional Mortality
8. The Chosen People
Part III: The Vision
9. Exodus and Revelation
10. Covenantal Society
11. Tragedy and Triumph
12. Truth Lived
Part IV: The Future
13. In the Valley of the Shadow
14. Ambivalence and Assimilation
15. This is Ours
16. Why Am I a Jew?
References
Acknowledgements
Index