Description
Book SynopsisOne of the best-kept religious secrets has been the revolution that has been quietly taking place within Judaism over the last two decades, as it has sought to grapple with contemporary issues. These include mixed-faith marriages, gay relationships, women's empowerment, declining numbers, atheism and being trans. It has involved a willingness to abandon biblical laws that conflict with modern values. Most ground-breaking of all, it has meant re-defining what it means to be Jewish in the 21st century.
Inclusive Judaism not only uncovers this religion revolution, but presents a challenge to all people of faith on how best to marry tradition and modernity. The book also reflects the soul-searching that has prompted rabbis to chart a new course, both out of principle and as a practical way of rescuing British Jewry from possible collapse if it did not adapt to the new social trends that affect us all.
Trade ReviewThis book celebrates the huge advances progressive Judaism has made in recent years - inclusive, tolerant, welcoming, accepting. For anyone who thought they were excluded from Judaism, or anyone who wants to know how religion can change in the face of facts and social changes, this book is a must read. -- Baroness Rabbi Julia Neuberger
Religion has long struggled with inclusivity. This engaging work lays out what an inclusive Judaism looks like, and in doing so gets to the heart of some very basic issues of how theology is to be done in the twenty-first century. Even those who reach different conclusions will profit from the moral seriousness in this fascinating challenge. -- The Reverent Canon Giles Fraser
All of the welcome changes within this book are about securing a Jewish future. I stand up as a ridiculously proud Jew. Our achievements are nothing short of dazzling. I hope this book will enlighten its readers as to how we can progress, adapt to the times, yet continue to remain so. -- Maureen Lipman CBE
Table of Contents1. Crisis? What's Crisis? 2. The Immoral Bible. 3. Realistic Religion. 4. Atheist Jews. 5. So You Think You're Jewish, Do You? 6. "I Never Know I Was Jewish" Jews. 7. The Women's Revolution. 8. Falling in Love across the Religious Divide. 9. Coming Out, but Pushed Out? 10. Changing Others to Brothers (and Sisters). 11. The Curious Attitude to Conversion. 12. The Way Forward... and Will it Work?
