Judaism's Ten Best Ideas: A Brief Guide for Seekers

by Arthur Green

Overview

A 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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781580238038
Publisher:	Turner Publishing Company
Publication date:	09/08/2014
Pages:	100
Sales rank:	528,945
Product dimensions:	4.50(w) x 6.30(h) x 0.50(d)

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 Universityof 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 UniversityPress) 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.

Table 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

Editorial Reviews

08/11/2014
In this insightful and concise volume, prolific author Green, a professor of philosophy and religion and former dean of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College, shares what he believes are the Jewish religion’s 10 most worthwhile ideas. For each concept, such as joy, walking the path, and returning, Green provides a basic history of its origin and development in the religion. His brief analysis extrapolates Jewish wisdom from Hasidic, biblical, Talmudic, and contemporary sources and clarifies, through stories and his own personal thoughts, just why these ideas are vital to a meaningful life, regardless of affiliation or level of commitment. His fundamental belief that “Judaism is a religion of doers, requiring an active commitment” is evident throughout the volume, as he strives to encourage his co-religionists toward a more thoughtful and participatory involvement. While not all readers will agree with Green’s interpretation, his love for Judaism is palpable and his fervor is sure to engage newcomers and committed practitioners alike. (Sept.)

Publishers Weekly

The 100-page pocket-book reveals Rabbi Green's personal understanding of Jewish tradition, based on his experiences teaching, studying and translating sacred texts. Ten chapters address the core tenets of Jewish life, such as simcha (joy), tikkun olam (repair the world) and Talmud (education) in a style that combines warmth and humor with practical applications for contemporary life.

The Jewish Journal - Shelley A. Sackett

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, Rabbi 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 readers to explore further and search more deeply the riches of Judaism.

Picking up this small book, I was convinced that there would be nothing I had not heard or read before. However, Art Green is such an amazing scholar, educator and teacher, that I found many ideas packaged in a way that I had never seen before. A wonderful gem!

Arthur Green, PhD, renowned spiritual leader, author and teacher, 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 and rector of the Rabbinical School at Hebrew College in Boston, 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. He is long associated with the Havurah movement and a neo-Hasidic approach to Judaism.

Jewish Media Review - Dov Peretz Elkins

This gem distills a half century of study and teaching into ten top Jewish concepts. Read it in one sitting, or dwell with a chapter at a time. This is a great resource for continueing your Jewish spiritual journey. Read it solo, or explore with others for new worlds of possibility.

Jewish Family Times - Nina Pitome

"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

From the Publisher