Jewish Theology
"The most important book on Jewish learning of this season, and one of the leading works published within the past few years....The work is a pioneer of its kind, in English as well as in other languages, in so far as it is a 'systematic' study of the subject....All other attempts made hitherto by German and other Jewish scholars at a presentation of Jewish theology have been of a limited scope....Kohler, on the other hand, through writing from the standpoint of the Reformer, does not refrain from giving the viewpoint of Orthodox or Conservative Judaism, which he endeavors to present fairly, howsoever much he disagrees with it....And never does Dr. Kohler better sustain his reputation as a scholar, nor use his vast learning to greater advantage, than in this splendid compendium of Jewish theology....Kohler's work covers the entire range of Jewish theological development, thus justifying its claim that it is a 'systematic' exposition of the subject where other works of a like nature dealt only with a partial survey. A mere glance at the table of contents reveals the immensity of the task performed, while a careful study of the book itself shows that the work is not only all-inclusive and exhaustive, but that it was executed with a charm and grace seldom to be met with in a work of so 'dry' a nature....The book is a truly valuable contribution to the treasure-house of Jewish learning for which its eminent author deserves the gratitude of the Jewish community. It is a book which will be read with pleasure and profit by student and layman alike." -The American Jewish Chronicle "In truth, Dr. Kohler's extended work of Jewish theology, the first of its kind, is an epoch-making contribution not only in the field of Jewish theological study, but also in the larger field of the study of comparative religion. Judging by the many favorable and even enthusiastic criticisms with which the book was received by scholars in the non-Jewish world, we are justified in believing that this work was, and will be instrumental in no small degree in correcting the utterly vicious and false view of Jewish theology, broadcasted in Christian circles.... Father Time often rectifies the encomiastic estimates made of living men so that men who were exalted in their day sink into insignificance and sometimes into oblivion with the passing of those who knew them. In the case of Dr. Kohler, I believe, that we may say, even now, that in the light of his signal and path-finding contributions in the field of Jewish scholarship, his eminence as a scholar in Israel will not be fugitive." -Hebrew Union College Monthly "Of all branches of Jewish study theology was hitherto the most neglected one. While here and there articles were written dealing with certain theological problems, no comprehensive book covering the entire field of Jewish theology and presenting a systematic treatment of the fundamental beliefs and doctrines of Judaism has heretofore appeared. Dr. Kohler's book is the first attempt in this direction....The method of Dr. Kohler in treating the subject of Jewish theology is a very excellent one and should be take as a starting point by future writers on the subject. He divides the subject into three parts God, where all questions relating to God, his nature and relation to the world are discussed; Man, dealing with man's relation to God and the world; and Israel and the Kingdom of God, describing the Jewish Mission and the destiny of Israel in history...The great scholarship displayed in it, the warmth and enthusiasm, the beautiful and simple style...and the zeal and earnestness, as well as the store of knowledge on traditional theology contained in it, will always serve as a source of inspiration to all those who respect earnestness and scholarship no matter how much their opinions may differ from the author's." -The Jewish Forum