“The Soul Seeks Its Melodies”: Music in Jewish Thought by Dov Schwartz

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Emunot: Jewish Philosophy and Kabbalah

Translator: Batya Stein

The connection of Judaism to music has been a lively discourse topic in recent years, and the musical awakening in religious circles is one expression of it. This book is the first comprehensive research project on the encounter of music and Judaism in the theological and philosophical realms, tracing the historical evolution of the music motif in Jewish thought. It describes the course of music as a tool serving religious, psychological, and instrumental goals until it developed into an independent aesthetic experience. Discussions also encompass various assessments of music in Jewish thought and the special connection of the Jewish people to music.

Year first published: 2022