In God's Presence

With In God's Presence, Alon Goshen-Gottstein ventures to describe the history and practices of Judaism, to make sense of them, and to offer a framework in which this complex religious tradition makes sense to both the insider and the outsider. Painting a composite picture of Judaism from its beginnings until today, Goshen-Gottstein draws on history, literature, theology, spirituality, and practiced religious life to craft an overview in which these different parts are appreciated as pieces of a larger whole. Beyond the canonical foundations of the Bible and Talmud, Goshen-Gottstein incorporates mystical and philosophical sources in presenting an image of spiritually engaged Jewish practice and belief. He thus argues that Judaism is best understood as a religious tradition in which individuals attempt to live not only by God's law but in God's presence.