Powerful, soul-strengthening musings from
the leading theologian of liberal Judaism.
“Too often, books on religion are
written either primarily for the head or for the heart—as
if thinking people don’t also feel intuitively, and
spiritual types never think much at all. Bosh! Here is our
special mix for you…. It is our hope that these pieces
will serve as unique windows into Judaism—in bite-size,
sacred ‘touches’.”
—from the Introduction
For the first time, Dr. Eugene Borowitz,
the “dean” of liberal Jewish theologians, opens his
heart as well as his mind as he talks about the mix of faith
and doubt, of knowing and not-knowing—the elements of
Jewish belief—in an easily accessible style.
In these pages, Borowitz shares with you
his rich inner life, which draws from both the rational and
mystical Jewish thought that have inspired two generations of
rabbis, cantors, and educators, and will now inspire you. With
him, you will explore:
• Seeking the Sacred One
• Doing Holy Deeds
• Creating Sacred Community
• Reading Sacred Texts
• Thinking about Holiness
• Learning from Holy Thinkers
• and much, much more…
“Touch[es] both heart and mind.... Offers a guide for the novice and a challenge to those who are well-versed in Jewish life. Highly recommended.”
—Congregational Libraries Today
“Demonstrates that theology is intertwined with every aspect of Jewish life and practice. No one who takes Judaism seriously, including the atheists and agnostics among us, will ever think about God in quite the same way after reading this book.”
—Rabbi Eric Yoffie, president, Union for Reform Judaism
“Precious to read…. Very accessible reflections, including truly intimate ones, on consoling the mourner, praying to God for healing, and new ritual practices and new conceptions of God.”
—Vanessa L. Ochs, associate professor of religious studies, University of Virginia
“Approachable, realistic and inspirational.... Replete with learning opportunities for groups and individuals.... As worthy a platform as one could wish for in terms of renewing the energy and passion of Jewish life.”
—Union of Liberal & Progressive Synagogues Newsletter
“Written with considerable theological depth … brings to light both the faith and the challenges to faith in contemporary Judaism. An intriguing introduction that can be read with great profit both by Jews and Christians.”
—John T. Pawlikowski, OSM, PhD, president, International Council of Christians and Jews
“Concise, beautifully crafted and eminently accessible gems, a treasure house of wisdom that will charm, enlighten and inspire all who partake of them.”
—Rabbi Neil Gillman, professor of Jewish philosophy, The Jewish Theological Seminary of America; author, Traces of God: Seeing God in Torah, History and Everyday Life
“A theological memoir, a collection of powerful, soul-strengthening musings from the leading theologian of liberal Judaism.”
—Jewish Media Review
“Mines the depths and scales the heights of the Jewish tradition…. Stitches together a chain of theological gems that stretches across a vast horizon. Dazzling.”
—Dr. Christopher Leighton, director, Institute for Christian Jewish Studies
“A much needed book on Jewish theology—especially liberal Jewish theology—that is accessible to the general reader.”
—Publishers Weekly
“Lively wisdom from a sage scholar and teacher … an informative and delightful read.”
—Mary C.
Boys, Skinner and McAlpin Professor of
Practical Theology, Union Theological Seminary; coauthor, Christians and Jews in Dialogue: Learning in the
Presence of the Other
“Amazingly accessible…. Ideal reading for beginners and those who want to read some of the most important insights garnered over a sixty-year career.”
—Rabbi
David A. Teutsch, Louis and Myra
Wiener Professor of Contemporary
Jewish Civilization,
Reconstructionist Rabbinical College; author,
Spiritual Community: The Power to Restore Hope,
Commitment and Joy
Dr. Eugene B. Borowitz, the leading theologian of liberal Judaism, is the
Sigmund L. Falk Distinguished Professor of Education and Jewish
Religious Thought at the New York School of Hebrew Union
College–Jewish Institute of Religion where he has taught
since 1962. He is a prolific author, having written many
articles and books, and was the founding editor of Sh’ma: A Journal of Jewish Responsibility. His book, The Mask
Jews Wear, received the National
Jewish Book Award in the field of Jewish Thought.
Frances W. Schwartz is coauthor, with Borowitz, of The Jewish Moral Virtues,
and is adult learning coordinator of the Union for Reform
Judaism. She teaches Jewish adults in many different
venues.
