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A Theologian's Informal Guide to Jewish Belief

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Our faith in God and our love of Judaism are tested daily by our turbulent world and personal challenges. In this special book, Dr. Eugene Borowitz, the leading theologian of liberal Judaism, offers a highly accessible guide to the questions weve all wrestled with in our spiritual lives. In these pages, Borowitz shares with you his rich inner life, which draws from both the rational and mystical Jewish thought that have inspired two generations of rabbis, cantors, and educators, and will now inspire you.

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Frances W. Schwartz, Dr. Eugene B. Borowitz

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The Life and Spiritual Quest of Rabbi Nahman of Bratslav

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A major contribution to the understanding of Hasidic Wisdom and thought; it brings the reader closer to Hasidisms greatest teller of tales.
Elie Wiesel

The search for spiritual meaning drives great leaders in all religions. This classic work explores the personality and religious quest of Nahman of Bratslav (17721810), one of Hasidisms major figures. It unlocks the great themes of spiritual searching that make him a figure of universal religious importance.

In this major biography, Dr. Arthur Greenteacher, scholar, and spiritual seekerexplores the great personal conflicts and inner torments that lay at the source of Nahmans teachings. He reveals Nahman to have been marked at an early age by an exaggerated sense of sin and morbidity that later characterized his life and thought. While subject to rapid mood swings and even paranoia, Nahman is a model of spiritual and personal struggle who speaks to all generations. Greens analysis of this troubled personality provides an important key to Nahmans famous tales, making his teachings accessible for people of all faiths, all backgrounds.

If there is any single feature about Nahmans tales, and indeed about Nahmans life as well, that makes them unique in the history of Judaism, it is just this: their essential motif is one of quest. Nahman, both as teller and as hero of these tales, is Nahman the seeker. He has already told us, outside the tales, of his refusal ever to stand on any one rung, of his call for constant growth, of his need to open himself up to ever-new and more demanding challenges to his faith. The tales now affirm this endless quest...
from Excursus II. The Tales

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This engaging introduction to Thich Nhat Hanh will show you how one person can accomplish big things.

This colorful book introduces you to the world of Thich Nhat Hanh, one of the most amazing people of the twentieth centuryand today. You will be inspired as you learn about Thich Nhat Hanhs lifefrom his work to end the war in Vietnam, to his eventual founding of the Plum Village community in Franceand his teachings about peace and "mindfulness" in the world.

Through enjoyable biography, activities inspired by Thich Nhat Hanhs values and beliefs, and poems written by the teacher himself, Thich Nhat Hanh: Buddhism in Action will show you how to be braver, more caring, and happier in your own life.

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Christian Clergywomen Share Their Hard Days, Holy Moments and the Healing Power of Humor

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Be informed and inspired, delighted and supported, encouraged and entertained by stories and prayers from the unique perspectives of clergywomen.

    "In ministry, we constantly balance the sacred and the ordinary, juggling the two as expertly as we manage a chalice and a [baby] bottle. Even as we do things as simple as light the candles, set the table, break the bread and pour the wine, we invite people into a holy moment.... The women [in this book] not only have a wellspring of deep wisdom, but they also have the ability to dish out their knowledge with side-aching humor.... I am thrilled that their great wisdom and intelligence will be bound into the pages that I can turn to, lend and appreciate for years to come."
    from the Foreword by Rev. Carol Howard Merritt

Learnand laughwith these women of the church, bound together by a deep commitment to ministry, as they reveal what it really means to be a woman in the pulpit. Over fifty clergywomen representing fourteen denominations share the details of their intimidating balancing actjuggling the isolating expectations of perfection from their congregations and the shared human realities of everyday life.

Intended for laypeople, women hearing a call to ministry and clergy of all denominations, these stories and prayers will resonate with, challenge, encourage and amuse anyone who has a passion for their work and faith.

Contributors:

Rev. Jemma Allen  Rev. Denise Anderson  Rev. Stephanie Anthony  Rev. Amber Belldene  Rev. Beth Birkholz  Rev. Laurie Brock  Rev. Jennifer Garrison Brownell  Rev. Hilary Campbell  Rev. Erin Counihan  Rev. Julie Craig  Rev. Robin Craig  Rev. Liz Crumlish  Rev. Martha Daniels  Rev. Stacey Simpson Duke  Rev. Jan Edmiston  Rev. Ruth Everhart  Rev. Amy Fetterman  Rev. Marci Auld Glass  Rev. Rachel G. Hackenberg  Rev. Elizabeth Evans Hagan  Rev. Cheryl Harader  Rev. Joanna Harader  Gillian Hoyer  Rev. Rosalind C. Hughes  Rev. Sara Irwin  Rev. Kathryn Z. Johnston  Rev. Deborah Lewis  Rev. Jennifer Burns Lewis  Rev. Catherine MacDonald  Rev. Bromleigh McCleneghan  Suzy Garrison Meyer  Rev. Karla Miller  Rev. Sarah E. Howe Miller, PhD  Rev. Holly S. Morrison  Rev. Katie Mulligan  Rev. Dr. Teri McDowell Ott  Rev. Katya Ouchakof  Rev. Kerri Parker  Rev. Katherine Willis Pershey  Rev. Teri Peterson  Rev. Patricia J. Raube  Rev. Diane M. Roth  Rev. Anna Scherer  Rev. Julia Seymour  Rev. Monica Thompson Smith  Rev. Martha Spong  Rev. Sally-Lodge Teel  Rev. Sharon M. Temple  Rev. Michelle L. Torigian  Rev. Deb Vaughn  Rev. Mindi Welton-Mitchell  Rev. Julie Woods

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Rev. Carol Howard Merritt, Rev. Martha Spong

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A Personal Journey into Sufism, Buddhism and Judaism

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A spiritual memoir by the author of God Is a Verb.

"This book is a treasure map, but not like any you have seen before. Most people believe that the object of a treasure hunt is to find a chest of gold. The mystical approach, however, is that the search itself is the treasure.... Here is an invitation to begin an exploration of the treasure fields of your own mind...the most exciting and rewarding adventure you will ever take."
from the Introduction
Here is an insiders look at a spectrum of mystical traditionsby someone who is remarkably fluent in the language of each. Three Gates to Meditation Practicechronicles more than fifteen years in the spiritual journey of "post-denominational" Rabbi David A. Cooper and his wife Shoshanayears that led the Coopers everywhere from a secluded mountain hut in New Mexico to the Sinai desert, from chanting Sufi dhikr and meditation with Buddhist masters to studying Kabbalah and esoteric Judaism in the Old City of Jerusalem.

The Coopers story is an intimate account of what intensive spiritual practice is like, with an ultimate message that is supremely inspiring: The spiritual path is completely within our reach, whoever we are, whatever we do, as long as we are willing to try.

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The basic vocabulary of Jewish spiritual life, explained with humor, insight and relevance to guide you on a historical and spiritual journey through Judaism.

Judaism itself is a language, a group's way of expressing beliefs, longings, aspirations and dreams. The vocabulary of Jewish life is the framework that Jews use to hand their past down to their children. It is also the vocabulary that people of other faiths need to know to understand Judaism and Jewish life.

In this revised, expanded, highly readable, enlightening and entertaining new edition of "the ultimate Jewish primer," one of the greatest spiritual teachers of our time takes readersJews and non-Jews alikeon a historical and spiritual journey through Judaism. Dr. Arthur Green explains the meaning, history and origin of over 150 core Hebrew words that are shared and understood throughout the Jewish world. With humor, insight and relevance, he lays out the basic vocabulary of Jewish communal and religious identity and shows why it is important for people to know and use these words in Hebrew.

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One Woman's Midlife Journey into Judaism

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An inspiring, frank, and engagingspiritual autobiography that
will touch anyone seeking deeper meaning in their religious life.

As we come to recognize the need to nurture our spiritual lives as adults, The Year Mom Got Religion offers sensitive and intelligent wisdom from a woman who learned how awakening to religion can transformand disrupta life. Lee Meyerhoff Hendler relates her awakening to Judaism. She also shares the hard lessons and realizations she confronted during the process. Her journey of the spirit is a powerful reminder that anyone, at any moment, can fully embrace faithand meet every one of the challenges that occur along the way.

A poignant personal testimony of the discoveries, achievements, and disappointments of a womans renewed commitment to her faithand how her personal transformation deeply affected her lifestyle and relationships.

Born into a wealthy and prestigious family, Lee Meyerhoff Hendler was surrounded by privilege and was a rising leader in the Jewish community. Despite her prominence, she realized that something was lackingand that Judaism needed to be more about spiritual fulfillment and relating to God than about simply writing checks to important causes or sitting on the boards of distinguished organizations.

Hendler discovered a void in her life that only Judaism could fill. She embarked upon a journey that took her through intensive study, regular synagogue attendance, renewed dedication to Jewish communal service, squabbles with her children about attending religious school, and quarrels with her husband about religions sudden role in their daily lives.

If you are seeking deeper spiritual meaning in your life, or are close to someone who has embarked upon a similar journey, The Year Mom Got Religion offers candid and intelligent words of encouragement for the soul.

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The Stunning Transformation of Judaism's Most Provocative Idea

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A challenge to each of us to take personal responsibility for repairing the world.

"We are taught that every one of us is created in the divine image. All of us can be holy through imitating God.... So, you dont have to look around or look away. You dont have to wait for someone to come and do what you were put on this earth to do in the first place. Judaism empowers you, as one of Gods anointed ones, to do more than you ever dreamed possible." from Chapter 1

The coming of the messiah is anticipated by millions of people of many faiths as the ultimate salve for our spiritual lives and as a way to finally make the world a better place.

There Is No Messiah...and Youre It examines the history of messianic hope and anticipation, its evolution in Judaism and Jewish history, and other interpretations of messiah that shed new light on what it means to usher in the kingdom of God. This fascinating book is our call to see ourselves as the fulfillment of, not the anticipators of, messianic change.

Drawing from the Bible, the Talmud, rabbinic sources, and modern-day scholars, Rabbi Robert Levine provides us with an accessible, fascinating understanding of messianic vision, as well as false messiahs throughout Jewish history. He challenges the powerful idea of messiah that has survived in the heart, soul, and ethos of the Jewish people, and reveals the immediacy of the messianic presence in our dayin our own lives.

Compelling and controversial, There Is No Messiah...and Youre It inspires us to embody the noblest values of Jewish traditionprayer, study, mitzvoth, and tzedakahand embrace our own messianic potential to heal the world.

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Pursuing Social Justice through Jewish Law and Tradition

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How can a Jewish approach to social justice offer positive change for America?

"Ancient texts offer significant wisdom about human nature, economic cycles, the causes of inequality, and our obligations to each other. These insights can inform our own approaches to current issues, challenge our assumptions, and force us to consider alternative approaches. The conversation between our texts and our lives can enrich our experience of both."
from the Introduction

Confront the most pressing issues of twenty-first-century America in this fascinating book, which brings together classical Jewish sources, contemporary policy debate and real-life stories.
Rabbi Jill Jacobs, a leading young voice in the social justice arena, makes a powerful argument for participation in the American public square from a deeply Jewish perspective, while deepening our understanding of the relationship between Judaism and such current social issues as:

Poverty and the Poor
Collection and Allocation of Tzedakah
Workers, Employers and Unions
Housing the Homeless
The Provision of Health Care
Environmental Sustainability
Crime, Punishment and Rehabilitation

By creating a dialogue between traditional texts and current realities, Jacobs presents a template for engagement in public life from a Jewish perspective and challenges us to renew our obligations to each other.

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Rabbi Jill Jacobs, Simon Greer, Elliot N. Dorff

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New Perspectives on Research and Practice

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Explore the benefits of workplace spirituality in making work
more meaningful and rewarding.

Even as the subject of spirituality in the workplace is gaining momentum, surveys show the number of workers satisfied with their jobs is decreasing. Based on many years of professional, practical experience, the contributors to this powerful anthology help you correct this drop in morale by showing you how to restore meaning and purpose to the workplace.

Offering new perspectives for a spiritual approach to work, each of the contributors to this innovative resource is a business leader, teacher, speaker, or writer on the topic of workplace spirituality. They represent the United States, Canada, Asia, Australia, Europe, and South America. Together, they present a comprehensive understanding of what it means to be a spiritual workplace and what it takes to create one.

In todays rapidly changing, challenging work environment, this is a resource no business leader, business management student, policymaker, or rising leader should be without.

Contributors

Richard Barrett Margaret Benefiel, PhD Jerry Biberman, PhD Kathy Lund Dean, PhD Satinder Dhiman, EdD Frederick T. Evers, PhD Linda Ferguson, PhD Charles J. Fornaciari, PhD Kerry Hamilton, CPCC, ACC Ellen Hayakawa Tanis Helliwell, MEd Craig E. Johnson, PhD Dr. Richard King Marjo Lips-Wiersma, PhD Joan Marques, EdD James F. McMichael, PhD Jacqueline Miller Julia Mossbridge, PhD Judi Neal, PhD Robert Rabbin Birute Regine, EdD Rev. Lucy Reid Rabbi Dennis S. Ross Lance Secretan, PhD

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Dr. Joan Marques, Satinder Dhiman, Richard King

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Rituals & Readings for Use at the Passover Seder

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With diverse and robust voices, women are reclaiming their place at the seder table. This complete sourcebook and guide shows you how to do it, too. For the first time, contemporary Jewish women's writings on the Passover seder are gathered in one comprehensive and compelling sourcebookan unprecedented and powerful resource for those planning a womens seder and those seeking to infuse their Passover celebration with the creative and courageous voices of Jewish women. Arranged according to the order of the seder, this practical guide gathers the voices of more than one hundred women in readings, personal and creative reflections, commentaries, blessings and ritual suggestions that can be incorporated into your Passover celebration as supplements to or substitutes for traditional passages of the haggadah. It also includes a detailed guide to planning a womens seder, based on information from successful seder organizers around the world. Whether you are organizing a womens seder in your community or planning a family seder in your home, this inspiring and accessible resource will help you take an active role in re-creating the educational and spiritual experience of Passoverand in shaping Judaisms future. Contributors include: Dr. Rachel Adler Dr. Rebecca T. Alpert Rabbi Renni S. Altman Zoe Baird Dr. Evelyn Torton Beck Susan Berrin Senator Barbara Boxer Dr. Esther Broner Rabbi Nina Beth Cardin Tamara Cohen Anita Diamant Dr. Carol Diament Rabbi Sue Levi Elwell, PhD Eve Ensler Dr. Marcia Falk Merle Feld Rabbi Susan P. Fendrick Rabbi Tirzah Firestone Dr. Ellen Frankel Nan Fink Gefen Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg Rabbi Lynn Gottlieb Dr. Susannah Heschel Rabbi Karyn D. Kedar Rabbi Naamah Kelman Naomi Klein Irena Klepfisz Maxine Kumin Rabbi Noa Rachel Kushner Rabbi Joy Levitt Hadassah Lieberman Ruth W. Messinger Dr. Faye Moskowitz Joan Nathan Dr. Alicia Suskin Ostriker Dr. Judith Plaskow Marge Piercy Dr. Rachel Naomi Remen Anne Roiphe Danya Ruttenberg Rabbi Sandy Eisenberg Sasso The Honorable Jan Schakowsky Rabbi Susan Schnur Rabbi Susan Silverman Dr. Ellen M. Umansky Rabbi Sheila Peltz Weinberg Dr. Chava Weissler Cantor Lorel Zar-Kessler

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Tara Mohr, Catherine Spector, Rabbi Sharon Cohen Anisfeld

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Women's Reflections on the Festival of Freedom

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A powerfuland empoweringgathering of womens voices transmitting
Judaisms Passover legacy to the next generation.

The Womens Passover Companion offers an in-depth examination of womens relationships to Passover as well as the roots and meanings of womens seders. This groundbreaking collection captures the voices of Jewish womenrabbis, scholars, activists, political leaders and artistswho engage in a provocative conversation about the themes of the Exodus and exile, oppression and liberation, history and memory, as they relate to contemporary womens lives.

Whether seeking new insights into the text and traditions of Passover or learning about womens seders for the first time, both women and men will find this collection an inspiring introduction to the Passover season and an eye-opening exploration of questions central to Jewish women, to Passover and to Judaism itself.

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Paul Hyman, Lilly Rivlin, Judith Rosenbaum, PhD, Rabbi Sandy Eisenberg Sasso, Leah Shakdiel, Ela Their, Judith Wachs, Rabbi Margaret Moers Wenig, DD, Jenya Zolot-Gassko, Avivah Gottlieb Zornberg, Judith Plaskow, PhD, Carol Ochs, VanessaL. Ochs, Letty Cottin Pogrebin, Martha Ackelsberg, PhD, Judith R. Baskin, Ruth Behar, Esther Broner, Kim Chernin, Phyllis Chesler, Judith Clark, Tamara Cohen, Dianne Cohler-Esses, Ophira Edut, Leora Eisenstadt, Merle Feld, Rabbi Lynn Gottlieb, Leah Haber, Bonna Devora Haberman, Susannah Heschel, Norma Baumel Joseph, Chavi Karkowsky, Janna Kaplan, Ruth Kaplan, Erika Katske, Sharon Kleinbaum, Lori Lefkovitz, Haviva Ner-David, PhD, Tara Mohr, Catherine Spector, Sharon Cohen Ainsfeld

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New Insights from Women Rabbis on the 54 Weekly Torah Portions

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Women rabbis are changing the face of Judaism. Discover how their interpretations of the Torah can enrich your perspective. "Rich and engaging...makes available to a wide readership the collective wisdom of women who have changed the face of Judaism." Judith Plaskow, author, Standing Again at Sinai: Judaism from a Feminist Perspective; Professor of Religious Studies, Manhattan College Here, for the first time, women's unique experiences and perspectives are applied to the entire Five Books of Moses, offering all of us the first comprehensive commentary by women. In this groundbreaking book, more than 50 women rabbis come together to offer us inspiring insights on the Torah, in a week-by-week format. Included are commentaries by the first women ever ordained in the Reform, Reconstructionist and Conservative movements, and by many other women across these denominations who serve in the rabbinate in a variety of ways. This rich resource offers new perspectives to inspire all of us to gain deeper meaning from the Torah and a heightened appreciation of Judaism. A major contribution to modern biblical commentary. The gift of choice for every young womans bat mitzvah, and for anyone wanting a new, exciting view of Torah. Contributing Rabbis: Rebecca T. Alpert Lia Bass Miriam Carey Berkowitz Elizabeth Bolton Analia Bortz Sharon Brous Judith Gary Brown Nina Beth Cardin Diane Aronson Cohen Sandra J. Cohen Cynthia A. Culpeper Lucy H.F. Dinner Lisa A. Edwards Amy Eilberg Sue Levi Elwell Rachel Esserman Helaine Ettinger Susan Fendrick Lori Forman Dayle A. Friedman Elyse D. Frishman Nancy Fuchs-Kreimer Shoshana Gelfand Laura Geller Elyse M. Goldstein Julie K. Gordon Claire Magidovitch Green Rosette Barron Haim Jill Hammer Karyn D. Kedar Sarra Levine Valerie Lieber Ellen Lippmann Sheryl Nosan Stacy K. Offner Sara Paasche-Orlow Barbara Rosman Penzner Hara E. Person Audrey S. Pollack Sally J. Priesand Geela-Rayzel Raphael Laura M. Rappaport Debra Judith Robbins Rochelle Robins Gila Colman Ruskin Sandy Eisenberg Sasso Ilene Schneider Rona Shapiro Michal Shekel Beth J. Singer Sharon L. Sobel Ruth H. Sohn Julie Ringold Spitzer zl Shira Stern Pamela Wax Nancy Wechsler-Azen Nancy H. Wiener Elana Zaiman

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An accessible introduction to how to read, study, and understand Torahthe Bible and related sacred texts that have grown up around it.

For everyone who wants to understand Torah, this book shows the way into an essential aspect of Judaism, and allows you to interact directly with the sacred texts of the Jewish tradition.

Guided by Dr. Norman J. Cohen, rabbi and professor of midrash at Hebrew Union CollegeJewish Institute of Religion, The Way Into Torah helps us explore the origins and development of Torah, why it should be studied, and how to do it.
What Torah is. The texts, and beyond: Not simply the Five Books of Moses, Torah refers to much more than written words.The different approaches to studying Torah. The many ways Jews have interacted with Torah through the ages and how, by learning to read Torah ourselves,we can connect it to our lives today.The levels of understanding Torah. How Torah can come alive in different ways, at different times; and how new meanings of Torah are discovered by its readers. Why Torah study is a part of the Jewish experience. How it allows us to experience Gods presenceand why the Rabbis called Torah study more important even than belief in God.
This guide offers an entrance into the world of Torah, and to its meaning for our lives. The Way Into Torah shows us why reading Torah is not the same as reading anything elseand enables us to become a part of a chain of Jewish tradition that began millennia ago, and remains unbroken today.

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An Introduction to the Values of the Talmud

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Discover the Talmud and its universal values for all people. While the Hebrew Bible is the cornerstone of Judaism, it is the Talmud that provides many central values for living. The Talmud sets out specific guidelines and lyrical admonitions regarding many of life's ordinary events, and offers profound words of advice for lifes most intractable dilemmas. This accessible introduction to the Talmud explores the essence of Judaism through reflections on the words of the rabbinic sages, from one of American Judaisms foremost teachers and writers, Rabbi Dov Peretz Elkins. Dr. Elkins provides fresh insight into ancient aphorisms and shows you how they can be applied to your life today. Topics include: Kindness through Giving, Welcoming and Sharing; Human Relationships; Personal Values; Family Values; Teaching and Learning; and Lifes Puzzles. Enlightening and inspiring, the values of the Talmud can be appreciated not just by Jews, but by anyone seeking a greater understanding of life and its mysteries.

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New Insights from Women Rabbis on the 54 Weekly Haftarah Portions, the 5 Megillot & Special Shabbatot

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Women rabbis are changing the face of Judaism.
Discover how their interpretations of the Prophets, Writings,
and Megillot can enrich your perspective.

The Haftarah is a potent tool for understanding the values, ethics, and moral lessons contained in the Torah readings. In this first-of-its-kind volume, more than eighty women rabbis from the Reform, Conservative, and Reconstructionist movements offer fresh perspectives on the beloved texts that make up the Haftarahthe Prophets and Writingsand the Five Megillot.

Based on readings that are rich in imagerysome poetic, some narrative, some dark and broodingtheir commentaries include surprising insights on the stories of Deborah and Yael, David and Goliath, David and Bathsheva, and the witch of Endor, among many others. Themes such as Jerusalem as woman, the story of Jonah and the fish, and other prophetic images are informed and challenged by this groundbreaking work.

A rich resource, a major contribution to modern biblical commentary, and the ideal companion to The Womens Torah Commentary, The Womens Haftarah Commentary will inspire all of us to gain deeper meaning from the Hebrew scriptures and a heightened appreciation of Judaism.

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Rabbi Judith Z. Abrams, PhD, Analia Bortz, Rabbi Sharon Brous, Susan P. Fendrick, Karen L. Fox, Rabbi Shoshana Boyd Gelfand, Rabbi Laura Geller, Rachel Sabath-Beit Halachmi, Rabbi Jill Hammer, PhD, Rabbi Karyn D. Kedar, Valerie Lieber, Sheryl Nosan-Blank, Rabbi Debra Orenstein, Barbara Rosman Penzner, Hara E. Person, Rabbi Geela Rayzel Raphael, Laura M. Rappaport, Ilene Schneider, Rabbi Rona Shapiro, Rabbi Dr. Shira Stern, MHL, DMin, BCJC, Pamela Wax, Nancy Wechsler-Azen, Rabbi Sue Levi Elwell, PhD, Rabbi Elyse Goldstein

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The Way Into the Varieties of Jewishness

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An accessible introduction to the many ways Jews understand Jewishness and identify themselves and their communitiesthroughout history and today.

For everyone who wants to understand the varieties of Jewish identity, its boundaries and inclusions, this book explores the religious and historical understanding of what it has meant to be Jewish from ancient times to the present controversy over Who is a Jew? Beginning with the biblical period, it takes readers era by era through Jewish history to reveal who the Jewish community included and excluded, and discusses the fascinating range of historical conflicts that Jews have dealt with internally. It provides an understanding of how the Jewish people and faith developed, and of what the major religious differences are among Jewish movements today.

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The Way into Judaism and the Environment

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An accessible introduction to the Jewish understanding of the natural world and the key concepts central to Jewish environmentalism.

At a time of growing concern about environmental issues, this book explores the relationship Jews have with the natural world and the ways in which Judaism contributes to contemporary social/environmental issues. It also shows readers the extent to which Judaism is part of the problem and how it can be part of the solution.

Offering both an environmental interpretation of Judaism and a Jewish approach to environmentalism, this book examines:
What environmentalism is. What the creation stories can teach us about who we are and what nature is. The relevance of Torah and traditional sources.

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The Way Into Tikkun Olam (Repairing the World)

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An accessible introduction to the Jewish concept of our responsibility
to care for others and repair the world.

For everyone who wants to understand the meaning and significance of tikkun olam (repairing the world) in Jewish spiritual life, this book shows the way into an essential aspect of Judaism and allows you to interact directly with the sacred texts of the Jewish tradition.

Guided by Dr. Elliot N. Dorff, Rector and Distinguished Professor of Philosophy at the University of Judaism, this comprehensive introduction explores the roots of the beliefs and laws that are the basis of the Jewish commitment to improve the world. It looks at the various motivations that the sacred texts provide for caring for others, the ways the Jewish tradition seeks to foster such concerns in our social and family relationships, and the kind of society that Jews should strive to create as partners with God.
What tikkun olam is. Ancient idea? New concept? The underlying theory has developed over time and branched into related terms and concepts that Judaism has used over thousands of years to describe the duties we now identify as acts of tikkun loam. Why we engage in acts of tikkun loam. Reasons include, but go far beyond, a general humanitarian feeling that we might have or the hope that if we help others, others will be there to help us. How we repair the world. The concrete expressions of tikkun olam in our families, our communities, the wider Jewish community, and the world at large help shape one of the most important aspects of the Jewish tradition.
By illuminating Judaisms understanding of the components of an ideal world, and the importance of justice, compassion, education, piety, social and familial harmony and enrichment, and physical flourishing for both the individual and society, we see how this ancient quest for a world with all these elements helps us define Jewish identity and mission today.

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The Quest for Meaning, Morality and a Deeper Relationship with God

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Can an ancient king supply a salve for our modern spiritual restlessness?



    "King Solomon wisely taught that we must live each stage of our lives in a constructive way. As long as we have goals and aspirations, we are alive; we are growing; we are using the gift of time in a meaningful way."

    from Chapter 1, When There Is LifeLive!



Rabbi Marc D. Angel, PhD, mines the biblical literature attributed to King Solomon, the Hebrew Bible's model of wisdom, for the answers to lifes important questions.



EcclesiastesWhat is lifes meaning and mission? What is my significance in the vastness of space and the eternity of time?

ProverbsHow can I help maintain a healthy society, with a focus on truth, compassion and moral courage?

The Song of SongsHow can I achieve a genuine, soul-satisfying relationship with God?



More than biblical commentary, Rabbi Angel shows us how Solomons wisdom can soothe the contemporary disquiet of all of us seeking a thoughtful, challenging and spiritually vibrant approach to life.