Chapter VI, Judaism, Meaning in Human Existence, Summary and Analysis

As in all aspects of their thought, the Jews looked for meaning in the question, "What does it mean to be human?" There were in the Jewish progression fleeting thoughts that humans were in no way different from the animals that were born, lived, and died. The conclusion was, however, that humans are a blend of "dust and the divine". In the Biblical renditions of its characters, they are presented in an unvarnished reality, goodness, and misdeeds alike. The Jewish view included the realities of pain and suffering and the brevity of life. Men, according to the belief, have freedom of choice and are susceptible to temptation, but the loving God yearns over His people in tenderness. Life, therefore, is not estranged and alone on a sea of indifference...