Author Description

Dialogical Form: "Kitab al Khazari" is written in the form of a philosophical dialogue between the Khazar king, who is searching for the true religion, and representatives of three major Abrahamic religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Historical Background: The Khazars were a semi-nomadic Turkic people who, during the early Middle Ages, established a powerful Khaganate in the region between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea. The Khazar king's inquiry into the true religion reflects the historical conversion of the Khazar ruling elite to Judaism. Defense of Judaism: In the dialogue, the Jewish representative defends Judaism as the true and authentic faith, emphasizing the uniqueness of the Jewish people's covenant with God, their history, and their connection to the Holy Land. Critique of Philosophy and Karaism: Judah Halevi critiques Greek philosophy and Karaism (a Jewish sect that rejected rabbinical interpretations of the Torah in favor of a more literal approach), arguing for the superiority of traditional Rabbinic Judaism and divine revelation over philosophical speculation. Importance of Religious Experience: Halevi emphasizes the importance of personal religious experience and direct encounter with God, emphasizing that the truths of Judaism are not solely derived from logical arguments but are deeply rooted in spiritual experiences and divine revelation.