Judaism's Ten Best Ideas

What does Judaism have to offer a contemporary seeker free to choose a system of values? With warmth, humor and down-to-earth explanations, leading spiritual teacher Arthur Green offers his answer to this question. An enticing look into timeless Jewish wisdom that will encourage you to explore the riches of Judaism for yourself.

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. 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 University Press) and coeditor 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.

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