A window into the Jewish idea of
responsibility to care for the world—
written
especially for Christians.
The concept of repairing the world (tikkun olam) is an
integral part of Jewish life. It helps shape Jewish social and
family relationships, and even mandates how Jews should speak
to others. But why is it important for Christians to understand
this Jewish approach to life? And what kind of impact can
understanding this fundamental aspect of Judaism have on
Christians seeking to develop a deeper understanding of their
own faith?
With insight and wisdom, award-winning
author Rabbi Elliot Dorff provides an accessible, honest and
thorough exploration of this important Jewish concept. With
easy-to-understand explanations of Jewish terms, practices and
history, each chapter explores a different facet touched by the
tradition of tikkun olam. Rabbi Dorff also addresses parallel themes
and practices in the Christian tradition, helping you better
understand the roots of Christianity and how the fundamentals
of Judaism relate and reflect your own aspirations to repair
the world.
• Caring for the Poor
• The Power of Words
• The Ministry of Presence
• Duties of Spouses to Each
Other
• Children’s Duties to
Their Parents
• Parent’s Duties to
Their Children
• The Traditional Jewish Vision
of the Ideal World
Praise for Rabbi Elliot N. Dorff's Work
“Marvelous … goes well beyond
any previous efforts to introduce Christians to the richness of
Jewish ethical thought. A one-of-a-kind gift to all
Christians—and Jews—who want to think deeply about
what it means to repair the world.”
—Richard
J. Mouw, president and professor of
Christian Philosophy,
Fuller Theological Seminary
“Wonderfully succeeds in introducing
Jewish thought on tikkun olam to Christians. I particularly appreciated
the inclusion of the rich glossary and the many referrals and
suggestions for further reading.”
—Rt. Rev.
Alexei Smith, Ecumenical and
Interreligious Officer,
Archdiocese of Los Angeles
“Written for Christians, this book
holds the promise of informing and inspiring interfaith
dialogue. An excellent resource that provides both theoretical
insight and practical advice on relationships in family and
society.”
—June
O’Connor, professor of
Religious Studies, University of California, Riverside;
past president of the Society of Christian Ethics
“Straightforward, inspiring….
Jews and non-Jews alike will find Dorff’s exhortations
challenging and provocative.”
—Publishers
Weekly starred review
“As accessible as it is
solid…. A superb introduction to a central idea of
Judaism.”
—Catholic
Library World
“A marvelous gift for the Christian
community. Helps us understand and appreciate our common
heritage as it informs our values and our day-to-day lives and
relationships. Excellent reading for every pastor and
congregant, to expand and deepen our understandings of right
relationship and repair of the world.”
—Rev. Dr.
Marie M. Fortune, founder and
senior analyst, FaithTrust Institute
“Conveys the depth, scope and reach
of Jewish teachings on tikkun olam…. Brilliantly examines
the deep theological roots of the Jewish social vision, the
enormous range of human life encompassed by these teachings,
and the expansive vision of the ideal world we are called to
co-create. An essential for every Jewish bookshelf.”
—Rabbi
Amy Eilberg, co-director of
The Morei Derekh Training Program,
Yedidya Center for
Jewish Spiritual Direction
“Provides a clear and
straightforward path that combines a deep knowledge of Jewish
sources with wisdom and compassion to direct our conduct in the
world. A treasure for all people concerned.”
—Rabbi
David Ellenson, president of
Hebrew Union College–
Jewish Institute of Religion
“Compellingly addresses the social
challenges of our time.”
—Rabbi
David A. Teutsch, director of The
Ethics Center at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College;
author of Spiritual Community: The
Power to Restore Hope, Commitment and Joy
“Erudite, compassionate and moving
… demonstrates the contemporary relevance of Jewish
tradition and shows how that doctrine undergirds the moral
imperative of social action.”
—Nancy
Dubler, director of the
Division of Bioethics,
Montefiore Medical Center
Reverend Cory Willson, MDiv, is a graduate of Fuller Theological
Seminary in Pasadena, California.
