I received an ARC from NetGalley and the University of Toronto Press in exchange for an honest review of “Jews, Judaism, and Success: How Religion Paved the Way to Modern Jewish Achievement” by Robert Eisen.

If Eisen’s book was a sandwich with bread on the top and bottom, the filling would be 100% meat and the sandwich would stand about 8 feet tall. As I had expected, this book is every intellectual lover’s dream. One doesn’t need to necessarily be educated to read this monograph, but to get through it, the reader **must** have an intense interest in the subject.

People have asked for centuries: “Why are Jews so successful?” Eisen’s book attempts to answer this question using the Cultural Hypothesis theory and combining it with Judaism. He explains that Jews—both secular and religious—have been able to achieve so much in the modern world based on the inculcation of 4 values in historical Jewish life: human autonomy; freedom of thought and expression; the value of life in this world; and education. Eisen argues, and gives numerous examples to support his assertions, that when the modern world erupted in Europe and Jews were invited to openly participate, that Jews (more so than gentiles) were uniquely able to thrive.

After having read the book in its entirety (with the exception of the copious endnotes and the bibliography), I find myself agreeing with the author. I’m certain that there are (and will always) be others who disagree. However, I decided to read and review this book as an educated reader rather than conducting a scholarly review.

I am not religious. In fact, I hover somewhere in between atheism and agnosticism. So I really appreciate the fact that Eisen was able to include discussions of secular people, and especially secular Jews, into his book. In doing so, the author highlighted that although Rabbinic Judaism was the initial driver of the 4 values, that these values can also be learned by either people in other religions or by non-religious people. At the end of the book, Eisen highlighted this by discussing the role of education and educators.

I also learned that after the destruction of the Second Temple, in an effort to survive the occupation and ensuing diaspora, Jewish leaders really reimagined Judaism. This led to the beginning of rabbi-led services. In fact, Eisen explores how Jews have restructured Judaism; that, unlike many other religions, Judaism is a religion that can stretch and change. It is also the only religion (at least that I’m aware of) that can argue with God.

This was a fascinating study. I am so glad that I got the opportunity to read this book. As a mischling, I can see in my own family’s history how the 4 values manifested over several generations. This was a very well-written, thought provoking book, and I absolutely encourage other people to read it!

There was a lot I liked about this book. I had no problem understanding enough of the nuances of Christianity and Rabbinic Judaism that were required in order to appreciate this book. There was enough background material to fill in all my blanks, as I am not very knowledgeable about religion. Another great aspect of the book is that Robert Eisen is very clear that his theory is speculative and is clear when making any assumptions. I loved that the book is well-reasoned and not dogmatic. The book takes some detours but Eisen warns the reader. I liked this as I didn’t have to ask myself “where is he going?” There were some things I liked less about the book. The writing was uneconomical and I found the chapter conclusions too long. Overall, I loved this book and think it is well worth reading for people interested in religion. Thank you to Netgalley and University of Toronto Press, New Jewish Press for the digital review copy.