PDF The Kuzari: An Argument for the Faith of Israel (Schocken Paperbacks) by Jehuda Halevi in History

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In the ancient Jewish practice of the kavannah (a meditation designed to focus one’s heart on its spiritual goal); Lawrence Kushner and David Mamet offer their own reactions to key verses from each week’s Torah portion; opening the biblical text to new layers of understanding.Here is a fascinating glimpse into two great minds; as each author approaches the text from his unique perspective; each seeking an understanding of the Bible’s personalities and commandments; paradoxes and ambiguities. Kushner offers his words of Torah with a conversational enthusiasm that ranges from family dynamics to the Kabbalah; Mamet challenges the reader; often beginning his comment far afield—with Freud or the American judiciary—before returning to a text now wholly reinterpreted.In the tradition of Israel as a people who wrestle with God; Kushner and Mamet grapple with the biblical text; succumbing neither to apologetics nor parochialism; asking questions without fear of the answers they may find. Over the course of a year of weekly readings; they comment on all aspects of the Bible: its richness of theme and language; its contradictions; its commandments; and its often unfathomable demands. If you are already familiar with the Bible; this book will draw you back to the text for a deeper look. If you have not yet explored the Bible in depth; Kushner and Mamet are guides of unparalleled wisdom and discernment. Five Cities of Refuge is easily accessible yet powerfully illuminating. Each week’s comments can be read in a few minutes; but they will give you something to think about all week long. Lawrence Kushner teaches and writes as the Emanu-El Scholar at The Congregation Emanu-El of San Francisco. He has taught at Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion in New York City and served for twenty-eight years as rabbi of Congregation Beth El in Sudbury; Massachusetts. A frequent lecturer; he is also the author of more than a dozen books on Jewish spirituality and mysticism. He lives in San Francisco.David Mamet is a Pulitzer Prize–winning playwright. He is the author of Glengarry Glen Ross; The Cryptogram; and Boston Marriage; among other plays. He has also published three novels and many screenplays; children's books; and essay collections.