ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Once again, I would not have been able to complete this book without the selfless support, and Job-like patience of my adored wife. My love for you is like Jacob's for Rachel.

Many friends and colleagues contributed helpful suggestions, and uplifting encouragement, notably, Ibn Warraq, Christine Brim, Jan Breslow, Ruth King, Diana West, Rachel Lipsky, Alyssa Lappen, and my rabbi, Jon Hausman.

The book is dedicated to my beloved mother—a woman of uncommon honesty, and unvanquished pugnacity—my darling children, and the humbling challenge articulated by French philosopher and political scientist, Raymond Aron, thusly:

The intellectual who sets some store by the just and reasonable organization of society will not be content to stand on the sidelines, to put his signature at the bottom of every manifesto against injustice. Although he will endeavor to appeal to the consciences of all parties, he will take his stand in favor of the one which appears to offer humanity the best chance—a historical choice which involves the risk of error which is inseparable from the historical condition. He will not refuse to become involved, and when he participates in action he will accept its consequences, however harsh. But he must try never to forget the arguments of the adversary, or the uncertainty of the future, or the faults of his own side, or the underlying fraternity of ordinary men everywhere.¹