Essentials of To Be a Jew Today

- The text explores many complex aspects of Jewish identity, peoplehood, theology, and relationship to God and Israel. It touches on topics like chosenness, Zionism, marriage, Jewish achievements, and more.

- In discussing Jewish peoplehood, it notes the Hebrew Bible does not explicitly define "Jews" but the term emerged after the exile. It examines debates around defining Jews by race, ethnicity, religion, or shared experiences. Jewish peoplehood involves both biological connections and cultural commitments.

- It analyzes the concept of chosenness in the Bible and its role in both Jewish self-understanding and antisemitism. Progressive Jews have a more ambivalent view while Religious Zionists see it as necessary for redemption.

- It traces the history of views on marriage between Jews and non-Jews in religious law and modern denominations. Progressive Judaism has moved toward full inclusion while issues remain for Evolutionist and Traditionalist views.

- It examines the rise of prominent Jewish achievements and influence since the 19th century, especially from eastern European Jews amid emancipation. Their success is attributed to ambition, ideals of social change, and restrictive past environments channeling talents.

- It discusses the development and debates around Zionism as a response to the Jewish question. Classical Zionism aimed to create a normal nation while transforming Jewish identity, though Israel's relationship to Jewishness is now complex.

- Religious Zionism collectively envisions the messiah through Jewish sovereignty in Israel, guided by thinkers like Rav Kook. Their messianism influences Israeli politics and Modern Orthodoxy.

- It analyzes theologies of Israel in the Hebrew Bible, Progressive Judaism reconciling Israel and social justice, and the incompletely theorized shift among Traditionalists towards identifying with Israel.

- A central theme is that Jewishness involves an ongoing struggle - with God, each other, over beliefs and Israel. The family and community are key settings for grappling with enduring questions of identity, meaning, and relationship to the divine.