Description
Book SynopsisA welcoming introduction to the most important ideas in Judaism. In an age of fluid identity, many people are honestly asking the question "Why be Jewish?" What in this religious and ethnic legacy is worth preserving? Does Judaism have something unique to offer a contemporary seeker free to choose a way of life and a system of values? Here is the answer of a leading spiritual teacher who has faced these questions in conversation with generations of students. With warmth, humor, personal and rabbinic stories and down-to-earth explanations, Arthur Green presents the ideas in Judaism that kept him loyal to the tradition passed on to him. The result is an enticing look into timeless Jewish wisdom that will encourage you to explore further and search out the riches of Judaism for yourself.
Trade Review"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
Table of ContentsIntroduction 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
