Judaism Is About Love: Recovering the Heart of Jewish Life [Paperback]

A profound, startling new understanding of Jewish life, illuminating the forgotten heart of Jewish theology and practice: love.

A dramatic misinterpretation of the Jewish tradition has shaped the history of the West: Christianity is the religion of love, and Judaism the religion of law. In the face of centuries of this widespread misrepresentation, Rabbi Shai Heldone of the most important Jewish thinkers in America todayrecovers the heart of the Jewish tradition, offering the radical and moving argument that love belongs as much to Judaism as it does to Christianity. Blending intellectual rigor, a respect for tradition and the practices of a living Judaism, and a commitment to the full equality of all people, Held seeks to reclaim Judaism as it authentically is. He shows that love is foundational and constitutive of true Jewish faith, animating the singular Jewish perspective on injustice and protest, grace, family life, responsibilities to our neighbors and even our enemies, and chosenness.

Ambitious and revelatory,Judaism Is About Loveilluminates the true essence of Judaisman act of restoration from within.

Held is known for his ability to approach a given topic and seamlessly navigate between the head and the heart.Judaism Is About Loveis a master class in negotiating these two aims . . . Despite the book's erudition, it remains eminently readable and accessible . . . Few recent books of theology will leave readers feeling as knowledgeable, inspired, or moved asJudaism Is About Love. Marc Katz,Jewish Book Council

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