Genius of Judaism

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From world-renowned public intellectual Bernard-Henri Lévy comes an incisive exploration of Judaism. For over four decades, Lévy has been a prominent moral voice, now confronting his spiritual roots and the religion that has shaped him. This work presents a new understanding of Jewish identity, emphasizing Talmudic traditions of argument and conflict over biblical commandments. Central to Lévy's vision is the obligation to the marginalized and forgotten, a commitment he has embodied through decades of advocating for “lost causes” across the globe, from Bosnia to Libya and the Kurdish fight against the Islamic State. Lévy critiques a rising, insidious form of anti-Semitism and offers a provocative defense of Israel from a leftist perspective. He highlights the overlooked Jewish foundations of Western democratic ideals while addressing the current Islamist threat. Rather than viewing Jews as a “chosen people,” Lévy describes them as a “treasure,” whose spirit should continue to inspire moral courage today. This passionate and personal work serves as a profound intellectual reckoning and a call to arms, showcasing Lévy's insights as one of the keenest thinkers of our time.