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The Conception of Israel in the Kusari

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Judah Halevi's philosophical masterwork, the Kusari, presents a radical reconceptualization of Israel's relationship with God that defies the rationalist trends of medieval Jewish thought. Through close textual analysis of both the Hebrew translation by Judah ibn Tibbon and the Arabic translation by Hartwig Hirschfeld, this research reveals Halevi's doctrine of Israel's unique spiritual status, supported by four interlocking arguments: the inward witness of divine favor mediated through elect individuals from Adam to the prophets; outward manifestations through miracles and divine signs; God's visible presence throughout Jewish history despite Israel's suffering; and Israel's superiority as evidenced by its connection to Palestine, the Hebrew language, and distinctive religious practices. Halevi argues that Israel's faith is fundamentally historical rather than philosophical, emphasizing practical observance over rational demonstration. The findings demonstrate that Halevi presents Israel not as achieving greatness through human effort, but as receiving a divinely ordained role as God's chosen people. His conception is simultaneously religious and nationalistic, portraying Israel as consecrated to advancing God's purpose in history through unique principles of divine action rather than ordinary historical laws.

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    Published 1945

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  • Publication Credits

    Alexander Burnstein