The divine in modern Hebrew literature

"Demonstrating the pervasive presence of God in modern Hebrew literature, this book explores the qualities that twentieth century Hebrew writers attributed to the divine, and examines their functions against the simplistic dichotomy between religious and secular literature. The volume follows both chronological and thematic paths, offering a panoramic and multi-layered analysis of the various strategies in which modern Hebrew writers, from the turn of the 19th century through the 21st century pursued in their attempt to represent the divine in the face of metaphysical, theological and representational challenges. Modern Hebrew literature emerged during the nineteenth century as part of the Haskalah (Jewish Enlightenment) movement, which attempted to break from the traditional modes of Jewish intellectual and social life. The Hebrew literature that arose in this period embraced the rebellious nature of the Haskalah and is therefore commonly characterized as secular in nature, defying Orthodoxy and rejecting the old Hebrew God. Examining these radical changes in modern Jewish literature on the divine, this volume is a key text for scholars and students interested in modern Hebrew literature, religion, literature and Jewish studies"-- Provided by publisher.