The modern State of Israel is a product of centuries of Jewish history that affect all aspects of Israel's society and culture, its politics, and its policies. Professors Reich and Kieval introduce us to a nation seeking to maintain and enhance its traditions while struggling to deal with present domestic and foreign challenges. They examine the land and people of Israel and the division between Jews of Oriental and Ashkenazi backgrounds as well as the division between Jewish and Arab citizens, before turning to the economic concerns facing a country virtually devoid of natural resources....