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What does Judaism have to offer a contemporary seeker free to choose a system of values? With warmth, humor and down-to-earth explanations, leading spiritual teacher Arthur Green offers his answer to this question. An enticing look into timeless Jewish wisdom that will encourage you to explore the riches of Judaism for yourself.
List of contents
Introduction 1
1. Simhah—Joy 3
Happiness as a Religious Precept
2. Tzelem Elohim—Creation in God's Image 9
What Are We Doing Here?
3. Halakhah—Walking the Path 19
A Community of Doers
4. Tikkun 'Olam—Repairing the World 29
Being God's Partner
5. Shabbat—Getting Off the Treadmill 37
The Secret of Shabbat
6. Teshuvah—Returning 47
Faith in Human Change
7. Torah—The People and the Book 57
Text and Interpretation
8. Talmud Torah—"Teach Them to Your Children" 65
The Role of Education
9. L’Hayyim—To Life! 75
Accepting Death, Affirming Life
10. Ehad—Hear O Israel 85
There Is Only One
Notes 93
Suggestions for Further Reading 95
About the author
Arthur Green, PhD, is recognized as one of the world's preeminent authorities on Jewish thought and spirituality. He is the Irving Brudnick professor of philosophy and religion at Hebrew College and rector of the Rabbinical School, which he founded in 2004. Professor emeritus at Brandeis University, he also taught at the University of Pennsylvania and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College, where he served as dean and president.
Dr. Green is author of several books including Judaism's Ten Best Ideas: A Brief Guide for Seekers; Ehyeh: A Kabbalah for Tomorrow; Seek My Face: A Jewish Mystical Theology; Your Word Is Fire: The Hasidic Masters on Contemplative Prayer and Tormented Master: The Life and Spiritual Quest of Rabbi Nahman of Bratslav (all Jewish Lights). He is also author of Radical Judaism (Yale University Press) and coauthor of Speaking Torah: Spiritual Teachings from around the Maggid's Table. He is long associated with the Havurah movement and a neo-Hasidic approach to Judaism.
Summary
What does Judaism have to offer a contemporary seeker free to choose a system of values? With warmth, humor and down-to-earth explanations, leading spiritual teacher Arthur Green offers his answer to this question. An enticing look into timeless Jewish wisdom that will encourage you to explore the riches of Judaism for yourself.
Additional text
"Superb! ... A gem, as valuable for one beginning to explore Judaism as for one who needs renewal of soul and purpose."
—Rabbi Rachel Cowan, author, Mixed Blessings
"Depth, wisdom, humanity [and] scholarship [from] the greatest living interpreter of Judaism.... I look forward to teaching this book to a generation of spiritual seekers searching for a soulful Judaism."
—Rabbi Edward Feinstein, author, The Chutzpah Imperative: Empowering Today's Jews for a Life That Matters; senior rabbi, Valley Beth Shalom
“Translates core ideas of Jewish tradition with twenty-first-century eyes, making them both accessible and compelling. This is the book I will give not only to people beginning their Jewish journeys but also to serious students of Judaism.”
—Rabbi Laura Geller, senior rabbi, Temple Emanuel of Beverly Hills
“Profound wisdom in a simple format.... Offer[s] readers easy access to Judaism's most novel ideas.”
—Dr. Kerry M. Olitzky, executive director, Jewish Outreach Institute; author, Introducing My Faith and My Community: The Jewish Outreach Institute Guide for a Christian in a Jewish Interfaith Relationship
“Fresh and insightful.... An important read for all Jews, non-Orthodox and Orthodox alike.... This is a unifying book that can bring all those who love Judaism, Torah, mitzvot and God together—all sharing in common the deepest ideas and desires for this world.”
—Rabbi Asher Lopatin, president, Yeshivat Chovevei Torah Rabbinical School
