Synopses & Reviews
Thanks to these generous donors for making the publication of this book possible: David Lerman and Shelley Wallock; D. Walter Cohen, Wendy and Leonard Cooper; Rabbi Howard Gorin; Gittel and Alan Hilibrand; Marjorie and Jeffrey Major; Jeanette Lerman Neubauer and Joe Neubauer; Gayle and David Smith; and Harriet and Donald Young.
Ever since Abrahams famous argument with God, Judaism has been full of debate. Moses and Korah, David and Nathan, Hillel and Shammai, the Vilna Gaon and the Baal Shem Tov, Spinoza and the Amsterdam Rabbis . . . the list goes on. Jews debate justice, authority, inclusion, spirituality, resistance, evolution, Zionism, and more. No wonder that Judaism cherishes the expression machloket lshem shamayim, “an argument for the sake of heaven.” In this concise but important survey, Rabbi Barry L. Schwartz presents the provocative and vibrant thesis that debate and disputation are not only encouraged within Judaism but reside at the very heart of Jewish history and theology. In his graceful, engaging, and creative prose, Schwartz presents an introduction to an intellectual history of Judaism through the art of argumentation.
Beyond their historical importance, what makes these disputations so compelling is that nearly all of them, regardless of their epochs, are still being argued. Schwartz builds the case that the basis of Judaism is a series of unresolved rather than resolved arguments.
Drawing on primary sources, and with a bit of poetic license, Schwartz reconstructs the real or imagined dialogue of ten great debates and then analyzes their significance and legacy. This parade of characters spanning three millennia of biblical, rabbinic, and modern disputation reflects the panorama of Jewish history with its monumental political, ethical, and spiritual challenges.
Review
"This is an excellent text for personal reading, for classroom study, or living room study groups. Whoever reads it will be stimulated, inspired and enriched."—Jewish Media Review
Review
"A volume easily read, Judaism's Great Debates whets the reader's appetite with a desire to dig deeper into where we've been as a way of understanding some of the most important issues facing us today."—Ellis Shuman, Times of Israel
Synopsis
Rabbi Jamie Korngold has always loved the outdoors. Whether it's hiking, running, or just sitting by a stream, she finds her spirituality and Judaism thrive most in the wilderness, the place where her ancestors first met with God. In 2001, Korngold created the Adventure Rabbi program to help other Jews learn how time spent outdoors can help them rediscover their faith and reconnect with Judaism. Today, hundreds of people flock to her adventure trips, participating in activities like Shabbat skiing and Rosh Hashanah hiking.
In GOD IN THE WILDERNESS, Korngold uncovers the rich traditions and lessons God taught our ancestors in the wilderness. In chapters with such titles as Cultivate the Patience to See Burning Bushes and Take the First Step, the Sea May Part, Korngold guides readers through the Bible to show that, despite the hectic pace of life today, it is vital for us to reclaim its lessons and awaken our inner spirituality. Small enough to fit in a backpack, GOD IN THE WILDERNESS is the perfect companion for anyone seeking the path to spiritual fulfillment.
Synopsis
Rabbi Jamie Korngold has always loved the outdoors, the place where humankind first met with God. Whether its mountaineering, running ultramarathons, or just sitting by a stream, she finds her spirituality and Judaism thrive most in the wilderness. In her work as the Adventure Rabbi, leading groups toward spiritual fulfillment in the outdoors, Korngold has uncovered the rich traditions and lessons God taught our ancestors in the wild. In God in the Wilderness Korngold uses rabbinic wisdom and witty insights to guide readers through the Bible, showing people of all faiths that, despite the hectic pace of life today, it is vital for us to reclaim these lessons, awaken our inner spirituality, and find meaning, tranquillity, and purpose in our lives.
Synopsis
The adventure rabbi guides readers through the Bible, showing people of all faiths that, despite the hectic pace of life today, it is vital to reclaim these lessons and awaken inner spirituality.
About the Author
Rabbi Barry L. Schwartz is the director of The Jewish Publication Society in Philadelphia and the spiritual leader of Congregation Adas Emuno in Leonia, New Jersey. He is the author of the acclaimed textbook Jewish Heroes, Jewish Values and several other works. Judaisms Great Debates is also available in a student edition by Behrman House, Inc.