"This is a delightful book, a small gem replete with insightful, provocative pieces about both American culture and Jewish life. I think that Stephen Whitfield is one of the most original essayists on these two topics. Few other scholars combine the density of his knowledge with the verve of his prose". -- Hasia R. Diner, New York University

The commonly held view of Albert Einstein is of an eccentric genius for whom the pursuit of science was everything. But in actuality, the brilliant innovator whose Theory of Relativity forever reshaped our understanding of time was a man of his times, always politically engaged and driven by strong moral principles. An avowed pacifist, Einstein’s mistrust of authority and outspoken social and scientific views earned him death threats from Nazi sympathizers in the years preceding World War II. To him, science provided not only a means for understanding the behavior of the universe, but a foundation for considering the deeper questions of life and a way for the worldwide Jewish community to gain confidence and pride in itself. Steven Gimbel’s biography presents Einstein in the context of the world he lived in, offering a fascinating portrait of a remarkable individual who remained actively engaged in international affairs throughout his life. This revealing work not only explains Einstein’s theories in understandable terms, it demonstrates how they directly emerged from the realities of his times and helped create the world we live in today.

A leading cultural historian explores the complex interactions of Jewish and American cultures.

Excerpt from The American Jewish Times-Outlook, Vol. 26: 1960-1961 This is the condition of the world on the eve of our religious New Year 572 i, and we are part of it. We do not like much of it, but there is the consolation that we can do something about it. It is not the premise of the individual man or woman to bring about a change in the world or even in a community; but it IS the premise and the duty of each individual to, work on his own improvement and thus, through his or her own action, act in such a manner as to project their good influences upon others. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.

Excerpt from The American Jewish Times-Outlook, 1966-1967, Vol. 31 And once again Ellul is upon us. As the sacred days draw closer we witness the annual High Holiday machinery mesh ing its gears. Brightly lettered signs in English begin to appear on the usually somber facades of synagogues and temples. Ticket committees take up their stations in lobbies and offices of the houses of prayer, Mothers look to the family wardrobe in anticipation of the great communal gathering. The station ery stores are doing a brisk trade in New Year cards. Cantors and Rabbis send their white robes to be cleaned as the former rehearse scores and the latter type their sermons. In short, American Jewry is preparing for the Days of Judgment. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.

Excerpt from The American Jewish Times Outlook: September, 1964 As man relates himself to Deity and contemplates his precarious position in the world, his significance becomes as a piece of dust. He becomes aware of the flight of time, as one year gives way to another; he begins to sense the vanity of material possessions, as he meditates over his frailty and the uncertainty of his life. In humility, as he permits his senses and intellect to guide him rather than passion and emotion he is moved to acknowledge the Lord as the source Of life and blessing. As did his forefathers throughout the ages. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.