Die Judenfrage der Gegenwart (The Jewish Question in the Present Day)
Vevey, Switzerland: Edition Studio, [1935]. First edition. Paperback. Quarto. 36pp. Original decorative wrappers. Preface by Albert Einstein. In "Die Judenfrage der Gegenwart", the author explores a theme that became tragically important ever since the National Socialists came into power in Germany (1933). Jakob Klatzkin (1882-1948) was a Jewish philosopher, publicist and publisher. Klatzkin was born in Kartoz-Brioza, a son of the local Rabbi Eliyahu Klaczkin. He rejected the notion of chosenness for the Jewish people, either religious or secular. He argued that the only meaningful goal for Zionism was regaining the land of Israel and normalizing the conditions of Jewish existence. He believed that assimilationists were "traitors to their Judaism". He criticized Ahad Ha-Am for the notion that morality was the key to Israel's uniqueness. He believed that ethics are universal, not the possession of a particular people. He maintained that the spiritual definition of Judaism denied freedom of thought and led to national chauvinism. Wrappers slightly rubbed and soiled along edges. Title page and last page slightly foxed. Text in German. Wrappers in overall good- to good, interior in good+ to very good condition. g+. Item #37878
Price: $65.00