Judaism's Ten Best Ideas

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 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 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.

"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

• Introduction 11. Simhah—Joy 3Happiness as a Religious Precept2. Tzelem Elohim—Creation in God's Image 9What Are We Doing Here?3. Halakhah—Walking the Path 19A Community of Doers4. Tikkun 'Olam—Repairing the World 29Being God's Partner5. Shabbat—Getting Off the Treadmill 37The Secret of Shabbat6. Teshuvah—Returning 47Faith in Human Change7. Torah—The People and the Book 57Text and Interpretation8. Talmud Torah—"Teach Them to Your Children" 65The Role of Education9. L’Hayyim—To Life! 75Accepting Death, Affirming Life10. Ehad—Hear O Israel 85There Is Only OneNotes 93Suggestions for Further Reading 95