Harry Freedman Ordre des livres

A challenging look at Jewish life in the UK today. Britain’s Jews looks at what it is like to be Jewish in 21st-century Britain. Is there a new confidence in the Jewish community and is this a good thing?

Leonard Cohen taught us that even in darkness there is light, and with our dying breath, we can still sing Hallelujah. Harry Freedman uncovers the spiritual traditions behind Cohen's profound lyrics, revealing how his deep knowledge of Judaism and Christianity shaped his identity and worldview. This exploration delves into the mystical sources that inspired Cohen, discussing their context and the ideas behind them. His music is rich with allusions to Jewish and Christian traditions, drawing from the Bible, Talmud, and Kabbalah. From the classic 'Suzanne' to 'Hallelujah' and 'You Want It Darker,' Cohen used spirituality to create understanding and beauty. Born into a scholarly Jewish family in Montreal, he initially aimed to be a poet before turning to songwriting. His immersion in Zen Buddhism led him to a monastery in California, where he spent several years. Cohen passed away just before the 2016 election, leaving a lasting legacy. Freedman’s work departs from traditional biography, examining Cohen's songs individually to reveal how he reworked myths, prayers, and allegories, with an index for readers to explore their favorites. This book offers a powerful understanding of Cohen's story and the mystical origins of his unique artistry.

Louis Jacobs was Britain's most gifted Jewish scholar, a Talmudic genius and accomplished author, widely expected to become the next Chief Rabbi. However, controversy erupted when the Chief Rabbi refused to appoint him as Principal of Jews' College and barred him from returning to his former synagogue. This backlash stemmed from a book Jacobs had written, which challenged traditional beliefs about the origins of the Torah from a rational perspective. The British Jewish community was deeply divided, and the scandal garnered significant media attention. Jacobs emerged as a symbol of reason and integrity, refusing to compromise his beliefs. His congregation resigned en masse, establishing a new synagogue in Abbey Road, a hub for Jews seeking thoughtful answers to faith-related questions. A prolific author of over 50 books and numerous articles covering various aspects of Judaism, Jacobs captured the affection of the mainstream British Jewish community. When the Jewish Chronicle conducted a poll to find the Greatest British Jew, Jacobs won decisively, though he humbly remarked it made him feel daft. This narrative reveals the dramatic and poignant journey of Louis Jacobs and the emotional toll on his family due to his rejection.