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Learn how to live life inspired by the timeless wisdom of Jewish ethical values.
"The works that comprise Jewish ethical literature are self-help manuals in the art form of life. Their primary goal is not to inform but to transform their readers…. No human emotion, no human conflict, no moral problem eludes their grasp."
—from the Introduction
Jewish ethical literature is a genre that has been centuries in the making—and yet the wisdom and guidance offered in these classic texts has transcended the gap between ancient and medieval worlds and our own society today. With insightful commentary, passion and expertise, Rabbis Byron L. Sherwin and Seymour J. Cohen guide us through traditional texts. They give us clear explanations of the historical context of each writing and thoughtful applications of their wisdom on the problems we grapple with today.
Explore some of the most influential Jewish ethical texts, including:
- The Zohar, the cornerstone text of Kabbalah
- The Holy Letter, the first book of its time to apply Kabbalistic ideas to marriage, holiness and sexual relations
- The Path of the Upright by Moshe Hayyim Luzzatto
- Duties of the Heart by Bahya ibn Pakudah
- Nahmanides' Commentary on the Torah
"Jewish ethics is not simply 'being a good person.' It means understanding the Jewish sources. Precisely the right texts for attuning our lives to the way that God wants us to live…. This is a treasure trove of wisdom."
—Rabbi Jeffrey K. Salkin, author, Being God’s Partner: How to Find the Hidden Link Between Spirituality and Your Work
“A self-help manual with a thousand years of Jewish wisdom to back it up. A wonderful tool for anyone wanting to grow as a person and a mensch.”
—Rabbi Nancy Fuchs-Kreimer, director, Department of Multifaith Studies and Initiatives, Reconstructionist Rabbinical College
“This is a book that contains wisdom, and not just information. We will turn to it many times for guidance, insight, and perspective.”
—Rabbi Jack Riemer, coeditor, Ethical Wills & How to Prepare Them: A Guide to Sharing Your Values from Generation to Generation
“This is the book every rabbi and teacher has been waiting for to help stem the tide of apathy and assimilation among Jews who are not aware of how powerful the ethical thrust in Jewish traditional literature truly is.”
—Rabbi Dov Peretz Elkins, author, The Wisdom of Judaism: An Introduction to the Values of the Talmud
“There are values and then there are Jewish values, i.e., the way we act as Jews and how we Jews act as human beings. I am delighted to see such a fine selection of combined text and comments, each informative, every one much needed.”
—Danny Siegel, lecturer, poet and author
Preface
Introduction: Life as Art Form—An Invitation to Jewish Ethical Values and Literature
Part I
God
1. How to Believe in God
2. How to Thank God
3. How to Love God
4. How to Study the Torah
5. How to Repent
Part II
The Self
6. How to Deal with the Ego
7. How to Be Wise
8. How to Be Healthy
9. How to Employ Wealth
10. How to Die
Part III
The Self and Others
11. How to Behave Sexually
12. How to Treat One's Parents
13. How to Parent
14. How to Speak about Another
15. How to Be Philanthropic
Notes
References
Credits
Index