Part of the Jewish Encounter series“What is hateful unto you; do not do unto your neighbor. That is the whole Torah; all the rest is commentary. Now; go and study.†This is the most famous teaching of Hillel; one of the greatest rabbis of the Talmudic era. What makes it so extraordinary is that it was offered to a gentile seeking conversion. Joseph Telushkin feels that this Talmudic story has great relevance for us today. At a time when religiosity is equated with ritual observance alone; when few Jews seem concerned with bringing Jewish teachings into the world; and when more than 40 percent of Jews intermarry; Judaism is in need of more of the openness that Hillel possessed two thousand years ago. Hillel’s teachings; stories; and legal rulings can be found throughout the Talmud; many of them share his emphasis on ethical and moral living as an essential element in Jewish religious practice; including his citing the concept of tikkun olam (repairing the world) as a basis for modifying Jewish law. Perhaps the most prominent rabbi and teacher in the Land of Israel during the reign of Herod; Hillel may well have influenced Jesus; his junior by several decades. In a provocative analysis of both Judaism and Christianity; Telushkin reveals why Hillel’s teachings about ethics as God’s central demand and his willingness to encourage the process of conversion began to be ignored in favor of the stricter and less inclusive teachings of his rabbinic adversary; Shammai. Here is a bold new look at an iconic religious leader.
#264092 in Books Isaac Metzker 1990-04-21 1990-04-21Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.00 x .62 x 5.18l; .57 #File Name: 0805209808240 pagesA Bintel Brief Sixty Years Of
Review
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful. A wonderfule piece of Jewish history that could use some improvementBy DirtlawyerMy father ( I am now almost 80) used to tell me of the "Forvertz" "Bintel Brief" column. I finally got exposed to it; and found it as fascinating as he told me it was. Everyone with a European Jewish background should read this one. My only complaint is that the resposes to the letters have been heavily edited; thus removing their essential flavor. But any reader will get some appreciation of what the "greeners" (such as my grandfather) lived through in becoming "Americanized".6 of 6 people found the following review helpful. A cultural history well worth reading.By Jackye GoldbergThe letters to the editor of the Yiddish newspaper "The Daily Forward" predates Ann Landers and Dear Abbey. The Jewish community in New York brought up many questions and looked to the Forward to provide answers. It is quite interesting to see what issues the community asked about in the early twentieth century. And; the answers to these letters reflect a thoughtfulness that may surprise you. It is a slice of history along with a view into the Jewish community.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Jewish history in America from 1900 to 1950.By Senior ShopperA collection of Jewish memories from the early 1900's to 1950. I gifted several copies of this book to old friends and saw tears fall. So glad the author took time to translate the letters into English for all to read! Thank you; Isaac!
