Religion and the Individual

First published 1992

The aim of this study is to demonstrate that, for all the admitted emphasis on peoplehood in the Jewish religious tradition, there are equally strong individualistic tendencies within Judaism which should not be confined to the sidelines. Dr Jacobs maintains that – in any balanced view of Judaism – it needs to be shown that what the individual does with his life has eternal significance for that same individual, not only for the Jewish people as a whole. Through a careful analysis of the primary texts, Jacobs conducts a thorough survey of some of the most important instances where the individual is discussed in the Jewish religious tradition. In so doing, his aim is not to elevate individualism at the expense of the Jewish community, but rather to show that Judaism pivots centrally neither on the people nor on the individual, but rests, rather, on both: his contention, finally, is that each needs to be taken equally into account if a balanced opinion of both is to be formed.

The first book in a major new monograph series, written by a well-known, established, and Press author.
Offers an exciting new perspective on the whole Jewish tradition, seeking to interpret Judaism not as a collective phenomenon but instead in terms of the individual – an approach refreshingly different from prevailing views.
Deals with complex textual traditions ranging over two millennia, which are skilfully marshalled and accessibly presented here.

Published reviews of Religion and the Individual

This study demonstrates that, for all the admitted emphasis on peoplehood within Judaism, there are equally strong individualistic tendencies. Dr. Jacobs maintains that in any balanced view of Judaism it must be shown that what the individual does with his life has eternal significance for that same individual, not only for the Jewish people as a whole. Through a careful analysis of the primary texts, Jacobs conducts a thorough survey of some of the most important instances where the individual is discussed in the Jewish religious tradition. His aim is not to elevate individualism at the expense of the Jewish community, but to show that Judaism pivots centrally neither on the people nor on the individual; each needs to be taken equally into account if a balanced opinion of both is to be formed.

A Review of ‘Religion and the Individual’ by Peter Baelz

Fred Morgan – Heart and Head

Singular Virtues – A Review of ‘Religion and the Individual’ by Tony Bayfield