Examines a fascinating and important figure in the history of modern Jewish ethics.Sharing the Burden analyzes the rich moral traditions of the nineteenth-century Musar movement; an Eastern European Jewish movement focused on the development of moral character. Geoffrey D. Claussen focuses on that movement's leading moral theorist; Rabbi Simḥah Zissel Ziv (1824-1898); the founder of the first Musar movement yeshiva and the first traditionalist institution in Eastern Europe that included general studies in its curriculum. Simḥah Zissel offered a unique and compelling voice within the Musar movement; joining traditionalism with a program for contemplative practice and an interest in non-Jewish philosophy. His thought was also distinguished by its demanding moral vision; oriented around an ideal of compassionately loving one's fellow as oneself and an acknowledgment of the difficulties of moral change. Drawing on Simḥah Zissel's writings and bringing his approach into dialogue with other models of ethics; Claussen explores Simḥah Zissel's Jewish virtue ethics and evaluates its strengths and weaknesses. The result is a volume that will expose readers to a fascinating and important voice in the history of modern Jewish ethics and spirituality.
#746288 in Books 2011-02-25Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 10.20 x .80 x 7.20l; 1.50 #File Name: 1433809281272 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A MUST-READBy Anne K. GlickAn absolute MUST-READ for anyone working on prejudice-reduction and; I'd argue; everyone in education today. It is truly forward-looking; offering evidence-based suggestions that educators and politicians and others can use to significantly; and with impact; nudge society in the right direction. Full of fresh ideas and fascinating research; it felt almost like reading a novel - exciting and jaw-dropping opportunities in every essay. Have your highlighter ready. You'll learn a lot!0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Very goodBy MARIA BENEDICTA MONTEIROvery important book