Nahum Sokolow’s new book has a definite distinction. Published by Rubin Mass, it is the first book to be printed and manufactured in Palestine, according to the best information available here, and as such it has an historical interest that is quite independent of its matter. “Hibbath Zion” is the title.
Even those who remain skeptical about the political future of Zionism must recognize in the Zionist settlement in Palestine an event of great importance in the history of culture.
The publication of a book in Palestine is therefore an event, and encourages the hope that through Zionism the valley of dry bones which is Eastern culture may spring to life again. The matter of the book has also an interest by no means confined to students of Jewish thought. His “History of Zionism” has already revealed in Dr. Sokolow a scholar, laborious in research; this new book reveals him as a philosopher and a subtle and sensitive writer.
It is a companion book to his “History,” but whereas that chronicled facts, this is an analysis of the inner philosophy of the Zionist movement and of its relation to the changing trends of Jewish thought. It contains an immense amount of information not readily accessible elsewhere, and students will find it invaluable.
Apart from its service as a contribution to the philosophy of history, its idealism should correct the frequent misjudgment of Zionists as too preoccupied by the material needs of their project and indifferent to its moral aspects and spiritual content.
—H. F.
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The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
