How and Why Did Judaism Survive? An Answer to Mark Twain
Updated: September 11, 2025
Summary
The video highlights a debate at McGill University in 1958 where historian Arnold Toynbee argued that Jews were not a nationality but a religion. Professor Herzog responded by discussing the survival of the Jewish nation throughout history, questioning the key factor enabling their resilience. The comparison of the journeys of Socrates, Caesar, and Moses emphasizes the enduring aspects of Jewish culture, faith, and language over millennia. The discussion delves into the enduring nature of Jewish survival without a homeland, language, army, or common culture, accentuating the importance of self-sacrifice and commitment to transmitting traditions to future generations.
Story of McGill University Debate in 1958
The debate at McGill University in 1958 between Israel's ambassador to Canada and an advocate for Israel, and historian Arnold Toynbee, who argued that Jews were not a nationality but a religion.
Professor Herzog's Response
Professor Herzog's response to Toynbee's argument, discussing the survival of the Jewish nation throughout history and questioning the key factor that has enabled their survival.
Comparative Story of Socrates, Caesar, and Moses
A comparison of the journeys and encounters of Socrates, Caesar, and Moses in Greece, Rome, and Israel, highlighting the enduring aspects of Jewish culture, faith, and language over thousands of years.
Reflection on Jewish Survival
Reflecting on the enduring nature of Jewish survival without a homeland, language, army, or common culture, emphasizing the importance of self-sacrifice and commitment to pass on traditions to future generations.
FAQ
Q: What was the topic of the debate at McGill University in 1958?
A: The debate was between Israel's ambassador, an advocate for Israel, and historian Arnold Toynbee, who argued that Jews were not a nationality but a religion.
Q: What was Professor Herzog's response to Toynbee's argument?
A: Professor Herzog discussed the survival of the Jewish nation throughout history and questioned the key factor that has enabled their survival.
Q: Who were the figures compared in terms of their journeys and encounters?
A: Socrates, Caesar, and Moses were compared in terms of their journeys and encounters in Greece, Rome, and Israel.
Q: What aspects of Jewish culture, faith, and language were highlighted in the comparison?
A: The comparison highlighted the enduring aspects of Jewish culture, faith, and language over thousands of years.
Q: How was the enduring nature of Jewish survival discussed?
A: The enduring nature of Jewish survival without a homeland, language, army, or common culture was discussed, emphasizing the importance of self-sacrifice and commitment to pass on traditions to future generations.
Get your own AI Agent Today
Thousands of businesses worldwide are using Chaindesk Generative
AI platform.
Don't get left behind - start building your
own custom AI chatbot now!