I was truly a cultural ignoramus when it came to Judaism, despite the fact that I had been married to a Jewish man for almost 17 years.

So, this book was not so much about Spinoza for me as it was about the culture. I am extremely grateful because Goldstein managed to simultaneously instill a sense of awe and a healthy curiosity for the rich Jewish heritage.

She also provided an introductory delve into Spinoza's humane philosophies. It was an enjoyable and intellectual read from start to finish.

The book opened my eyes to a whole new world of Jewish culture and history, and I found myself constantly learning and reflecting as I turned the pages.

It was a fascinating exploration of both a religion and a philosophy, and I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in either or both.

Overall, it was a wonderful read that left a lasting impression on me.

Betraying Spinoza offers an engaging exploration of the philosopher's life and background, presented from a contemporary Jewish vantage point. It delves into the various aspects of Spinoza's existence, providing insights that are both thought-provoking and interesting.

However, I must admit that my limited knowledge of philosophy made certain sections of the book a bit of a challenge to read. The vocabulary employed can be quite intimidating, requiring a certain level of familiarity with philosophical concepts. Nevertheless, the more captivating and perhaps controversial "betraying" elements of Spinoza's life were easier to follow, despite being somewhat speculative.

What truly fascinated me was Goldstein's personal account of her discovery of Spinoza at the outset of the book. Her historical and psychological perspective on the Sephardic Jewish experience was equally compelling, taking us through the Moorish flourishing, the clandestine lives of the Morranos, and their passionate reawakening in the Netherlands. Additionally, I gained a better understanding of the long-standing tradition of open-mindedness associated with the Dutch and Amsterdam.

For anyone who is curious about the divine Spinoza but has no idea where to start, this biography is a must-read.

According to Goldstein, it reveals why and how Spinoza's family history had an impact on his thought and writing.

The author's humor and erudition are evident on every page.

This engaging biography not only provides valuable insights into Spinoza's life and work but also makes the subject matter accessible and enjoyable.

It offers a unique perspective on the philosopher, showing how his personal experiences and family background shaped his ideas.

Whether you are a scholar or simply interested in learning more about Spinoza, this biography is sure to captivate and inform.

So, pick up a copy and embark on a fascinating journey into the mind of one of the greatest philosophers of all time.

It is timely that I read Spinoza while reading several memoirs in reference to my own writing.

Spinoza believed that one must step outside one's personal history to understand greater truths. However, "Betraying Spinoza" suggests that his quest was actually born out of his own history.

"Betraying Spinoza" was included in the bibliography of "The Weight of Ink," a novel that piqued my curiosity about the philosopher. I highly recommend this novel to anyone interested in the 17th-century history of the Sephardic community in Amsterdam (and their Portuguese origins, due to the Inquisition).

Spinoza was excommunicated as a young man for what were considered heretical beliefs. But beyond the history of Spinoza and his community of origin, Rebecca Goldstein does an excellent job of making Spinoza's precepts accessible.

Although the reader still needs to make some effort to understand the finer points, I thoroughly enjoyed this insightful work. It offers a unique perspective on Spinoza and his ideas, as well as on the historical context in which he lived.

I would encourage others to give it a read and explore the fascinating world of Spinoza and his philosophy.

Hard to categorize this book.

Spinoza was a remarkable figure. He was the founder of modern humanism and a classical philosopher. He was also an excommunicated Jew and a member of the Jewish diaspora who was forced out of Spain and Portugal after the Reconquista of those lands from the Muslim occupiers from North Africa.

The narrated history in this book is truly worth reading. The historical sources of Sephardic and Ashkenazi Jewish history are beautifully retold, and the tolerance of the people of Amsterdam is wondrously revealed.

In addition to that, Spinoza's own spiritual struggles and his achievement and development of his "philosophical proofs" have solidified my decision to buy a copy of this book for myself (I read a library copy). I know I will be referring to this book for the rest of my life.

This is one book of a series that I hope to explore in 2018. It seems to offer a wealth of knowledge and insights that are both fascinating and thought-provoking. I look forward to delving deeper into this series and uncovering more about Spinoza and his profound ideas.

This is the very first book that I have delved into by Rebecca Goldstein, a truly remarkable philosopher-novelist. The combination of these two professions is nothing short of fascinating. The title itself immediately catches one's attention. As it turns out, "betraying" Spinoza refers to the attempt to understand him within the context of his biography. Growing up in the Sephardic community in Amsterdam, this group had a precarious identity as Jews, having lived for generations as "Christians" on the Iberian peninsula. Goldstein posits that Spinoza's "rebellion," which led to the rather unusual step of a life-long disfellowship from the synagogue, was his attempt to dismiss all personalized aspects that typically contribute to one's identity.

Goldstein not only situates Spinoza's philosophy within the framework of his personal life but also draws a parallel between it and the mysticism of St. Teresa of Ávila. While both had an inward, private spiritual practice, they employed different mediums. Spinoza used mathematically rigorous reason, whereas St. Teresa used prayer. Goldstein remarks, "It is intriguing to speculate how the Marrano psyche, necessarily oriented inward, found such different expression in these two spiritual geniuses" (p. 115).

I found it highly enjoyable to read this book in parallel with Spinoza's Ethics. Although Spinoza's approach, which Goldstein terms "radical objectivity," differs from her own analytic philosophy, she is a sympathetic commentator. It was extremely helpful for Goldstein to explain two crucial terms in Spinoza's project that had previously puzzled me, namely "nature" and "substance." This confirmed my suspicion that he must have meant something other than what we conventionally understand.

The prose in this book is both elegant and accessible. I particularly relished the author's recollection of her first encounter with Spinoza as a high school student in an Orthodox yeshiva in lower Manhattan at the hands of Mrs. Schoenfeld. Mrs. Schoenfeld's condemnation of this "heretic" piqued young Goldstein's interest. This, along with the recreation of Spinoza late in life in the final chapter, showcases how Goldstein's two activities of philosophy and novel-writing blend together in a delightful manner. Overall, this is an excellent book that I would highly recommend.

This book offers a surprisingly easy read that provides a fascinating window into the Jewish side of western history.

It is a side that is often unknown to many, yet as Rebecca Goldstein so ably demonstrates, it is foundational to the values that we now take for granted.

We tend to overlook the significant contributions that the Jewish people have made throughout history, but this book brings those contributions to the forefront.

It shows how their beliefs, traditions, and way of life have influenced and shaped the Western world as we know it today.

By exploring this often-neglected aspect of history, we gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the complex tapestry of Western civilization.

It is a thought-provoking and enlightening read that challenges us to look beyond the surface and discover the hidden connections and influences that have shaped our modern world.

Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in history, religion, or the development of Western values.

A lucid and highly entertaining account is provided of Spinoza's early years and the profound Sephardic influences that shaped him. With a touch of wit, Goldstein "betrays" the very man who contended that the more expansive one's understanding becomes, the less significance one's personal attributes hold. However, it becomes evident that in reality, they do matter.

Spinoza's early life was filled with experiences that would later color his philosophical perspectives. The Sephardic heritage, with its rich traditions and values, played a crucial role in his development. Goldstein skillfully weaves together the details of Spinoza's upbringing, highlighting the impact of his cultural background on his thinking.

Despite Spinoza's assertion that personal attributes are of little consequence in the face of a broad understanding, Goldstein shows that this may not be entirely true. Our personal qualities and experiences often influence our interpretations and actions, even when we strive for a more objective and comprehensive view of the world. Through her engaging narrative, Goldstein invites us to question and reevaluate Spinoza's ideas, adding a new layer of depth to our understanding of this influential philosopher.

Lovely writing! It is truly remarkable how smart and talented the writer is. The words flow effortlessly, creating a beautiful and engaging piece. Each sentence is carefully crafted, filled with vivid descriptions and unique expressions. The use of language is not only charming but also shows a great deal of intelligence. It is a pleasure to read such lovely writing and be able to appreciate the writer's smartness. It makes one wonder how much effort and creativity went into producing this wonderful piece. Overall, it is a testament to the power of words and the talent of the writer.

Baruch Spinoza was a remarkable Jewish philosopher who had to work as a lens grinder to earn a living. His views and beliefs made him infamous in many intellectual and religious circles. His works, such as The Ethics and the Theological-Political Treatise, solidified his reputation as a thinker of great depth. Some even went so far as to label him an atheist.

"Betraying Spinoza" is a book penned by Rebecca Newberger Goldstein. It delves into the life and times of Spinoza. This book is just a small part of a series that endeavors to explore the world from a Jewish perspective. Goldstein commences by sharing the story of where she first became acquainted with Spinoza during her school days.

I had anticipated something more in line with the mainstream. The book gets off to a rather slow start. It is more of a scholarly work than one intended纯粹 for entertainment. That, at least, is my initial impression. However, despite the somewhat sluggish beginning, I found the book to be enjoyable. Nevertheless, it did require a bit of effort to get through.

Thanks for taking the time to read my review, and I look forward to seeing you next time.

Baruch Spinoza was an extremely influential philosopher in the 17th century.

He played a crucial role in laying the groundwork for numerous modern concepts. Considered the world's first secularist, his ideas had a profound impact.

The Constitution of the United States of America incorporated Spinoza’s principles of tolerance, making them the law of the land.

He made bold claims regarding the powers of pure reason, which operated independently of empirical observation and induction. His thoughts served as an inspiration for "the theory of everything."

Spinoza taught that the universe was completely deterministic. He also believed that the Bible should be read in the same manner as any other book, thereby establishing the foundation for modern biblical criticism.

Overall, Spinoza's contributions to philosophy and thought were far-reaching and continue to be studied and debated to this day.

His ideas challenged traditional beliefs and opened up new avenues of exploration and understanding.

A good book, useful for those who want to enter the world of Spinoza and understand his life and philosophy.

Personally, it didn't add anything for me as the talk about Spinoza was interesting but all the information was repetitive from the books I had already read about Spinoza or his works, which made the reading rather dull to a large extent.

Perhaps for those who are new to Spinoza, this book could be a valuable introduction. It might present the basic concepts and ideas in a more accessible way. However, for someone who has already delved into the subject, it lacks the depth and novelty that would make it truly engaging.

Nonetheless, it is important to note that different people have different levels of familiarity and interest in a particular topic. So, while this book may not have been the most exciting for me, it could still serve a useful purpose for others.