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.

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.

Introduction

1. Methodological Aspects

2. Assessing the Role of Music

3. Music and the Jewish People

4. Music as a Tool

5. Toward Music as an Independent Field: Representation, Language, Dialogue

6. Music, Zionism, Religion

7. Summing Up

By Way of an Epilogue

Selected Bibliography

Index