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An in-depth presentation of traditional Jewish approaches to resolving interpersonal conflicts. Among the topics discussed are the obligation to pursue peace, what constitutes constructive conflict, countering judgmental biases, resolving conflict through dialogue, apologies, forgiveness, and anger management.
List of contents
Preface Part I¿Introductory Essay Chapter 1: Contemporary Conflict Resolution: An Overview of the Field and the Core Components of its Educational Programs Part II¿Foundational Values and Concepts Chapter 2: Pursuing Peace and Refraining from Destructive Conflict Chapter 3: Rabbinic Perspectives on Constructive Conflict: A ¿Dispute for the Sake of Heaven¿ Part III¿Foundational Commandments and Laws Chapter 4: Basic Interpersonal Obligations and Prohibitions Part IV¿Basic Commandments and Laws of Interpersonal Conflict Resolution Chapter 5: Judging People Favorably: Countering Negative Judgmental Biases Chapter 6:
Tokhahah: Judaism¿s Basic Approach to Resolving Interpersonal Conflict through Dialogue Chapter 7: Retaliation and Resentment: Not Taking Revenge and Not Bearing a Grudge Chapter 8: Apologies: The Asking and Granting of Forgiveness Part V¿The Affective Component¿Anger Management Chapter 9: Jewish Anger Management Conclusion Glossary Bibliography
About the author
Howard Kaminsky is a research fellow at the Pardes Center for Judaism and Conflict Resolution, and serves as a mediator for Community Mediation Services in Queens, NY. He has an EdD in religion and education from Teachers College, Columbia University and rabbinic ordination from Mesivta Tifereth Jerusalem.
Summary
Offers an in-depth presentation of traditional Jewish approaches to interpersonal conflict resolution. It examines the underlying principles, prescriptive rules, and guidelines that are found in the Jewish tradition for the prevention, amelioration, and resolution of interpersonal conflicts, without the assistance of any type of third-party intermediary.
Additional text
“Dr. Kaminsky is an established mediator and expert in conflict resolution. And in his book [Fundamentals of Jewish Conflict Resolution] the author masterfully contributes to this endeavor. … This book, an expansion of Kaminsky’s doctoral dissertation, is a remarkable scholarly work, encyclopedic in its scope, detailed in its analysis and replete with insights that deserve serious consideration for anyone interested in the field. … I urge all to encounter this text. For within its pages, one finds a spirit that is hopeful about human change even as it understands the limitations of human nature. Kaminsky presents a vision of conflict resolution that is unique and ambitious.” —Rabbi James Rosen, Journal of Religion & Spirituality in Social Work
