Living The Letters: An Alphabet of Emerging Jewish Thought [Paperback]

In this work, Michael Marmur employs the structure of the Hebrew alphabet to set out elements of an emerging Jewish theology, presenting a case for the urgent relevance of Jewish life at a time of deepening rupture and accelerating change. He presents core components of a theory and practice of contemporary Judaism.

The Hebrew alphabet has long beguiled and preoccupied Biblical authors and liturgical poets, rationalists and mystics, conservatives and radicals. It has served as a locus of theological speculation, an engine of creativity and a recurrent motif throughout the cycle of life, from childhood instruction to graveside recitation. For each letter of the Hebrew alphabet, Marmur proposes a concept, gleaned from theology, philosophy, ritual, politics, community and other fields. Readers are invited to combine and deploy them in imagining a Judaism of tomorrow.

This is an open access book.

Introduction.- Aspaklaria: Prophecy and Pluralism.- Bi: Spirituality and Responsibility.- Gader: Borders and Boundaries.- Dovev: Quotation and Education.- Hogenet: Decency and Society.- Vegoralenu: Peoplehood and Chosenness.- Zeman Nakat: History and Change.- Chai Vekayam: The Existence and Insistence of God.- Tefachim: A Torah of Tension.- Yetzer Lev Haadam: On Human Nature.- Kosot Yeshuah: Frameworks of Jewish Thought.- Lehaniach: The Assumption of Ritual.- Masoret: Tradition!.- Neder: Vows and Commitments.- Safek: The Benefit of Doubt.- Azazel: Gaza and Expulsion.- Pi Yagid: Prayer and Language.- Tzechok: Judaism and Humor.- Kehillah: Community.- Reshit: The Flowering of Our Redemption?.- Shaat Hamefazrim: Judaism Thick and Thin.- Taluy: Dependence and Independence.- The Twenty-lãH