Synopses & Reviews
The Jewish community continually cites a commitment to social justice as the most important component of Jewish identity. In the years following World War II, a host of small Jewish organizations singularly focused on issues of social justice emerged and drew interest from many Jewish people who were disinclined to participate in more traditional synagogue life. This important, inspiring book offers a strategy for the Jewish community to recapture the passions of American Jews by helping them discover the connection between their Jewish beliefs and their passions for equality, justice, tolerance and peace. Drawing parallels between the stories of the Torah and the history of Jews in post?World War II America, Rabbi Sidney Schwarz examines the ?Sinai-consciousness? of Judaism?how the formative revelation of law at Mount Sinai influences Jewish individual and communal behavior today. This passionate book offers a compelling call to action?an appeal to make the world a more fair and equitable place. A directory of socially conscious organizations and volunteer opportunities provides a starting point.
Synopsis
From Judaism's rich history of prophetic justice comes an inspiring call to action.
Why is it that Jews are so involved in causes dedicated to justice, equality, human rights and peace? Are these trends influenced by religion, history, sociology or something else?
In this provocative exploration, Rabbi Sidney Schwarz, founder and president of PANIM: The Institute for Jewish Leadership and Values, sheds light on the relationship between Judaism, social justice and the Jewish identity of American Jews. He traces how the idea of justice, as developed in the sacred texts of Judaism, conditions Jewish attitudes and behavior. In a fascinating portrayal of some of the major issues facing the Jewish community in the last fifty years, Schwarz explores a community torn between its instincts for self-preservation and its desire to serve as an ethical "light to the nations."
This powerful and empowering book will provide you with a starting point for meaningful engagement--and a new way to understand Jewish identity.
Synopsis
Examines Jewish dedication to causes of equality, human rights and peace, showing how the idea of justice shapes Jewish attitudes even as the community wrestles with its instincts for self-preservation and its desire to serve as a "light to the nations."