My foremost gratitude goes first to my doctoral supervisor Professor Yu Jianhua for his expert guidance and criticism. He enlightens me with his insightful comments and suggestions. Without his consistent and illuminating instructions, this book could not have been possible. Professor Yu's personal charm is what I really admire, and his academic lecture is what I have greatly enjoyed. Undoubtedly, his warm encouragement and touching understanding would inspire me to go further on my way of study and life. I would also like to express my deep appreciation to Professor Li Weiping, Mei Deming, Chai Mingjiong, Zhang Jian, Chen Jianlin, Zou Shen, Yu Dongming for their wonderful academic lectures and wise advice when I studied at Shanghai International Studies University.

A very special thank-you goes to Professor Robert Alter for his invaluable guidance and steadfast encouragement when I studied as a post-doctor at UC Berkeley, where I began my real search for a sense of Jewish place. I am also indebted to my teacher and brother Ning Yizhong at Beijing Language and Culture University. Without his early encouragement, I would never have set out on my academic journey. I owe my debt to Professor Chen Yong of Hunan University of Arts and Science,who granted me helpful funds.

Above all I thank my parents for their deepest love; to my wife Chen Lin for her intellectual companionship; and finally to my son Ning Yuan, who have rejoiced with me all the time and gave me the spiritual support when we were at UC Berkeley.