DOCSLIB.ORG

The Torah Revolution: Fourteen Truths That Changed the World Online

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
The Torah Revolution: Fourteen Truths That Changed the World Online 6qNin [Download free ebook] The Torah Revolution: Fourteen Truths that Changed the World Online [6qNin.ebook] The Torah Revolution: Fourteen Truths that Changed the World Pdf Free Reuven Hammer Ph.d ePub | *DOC | audiobook | ebooks | Download PDF Download Now Free Download Here Download eBook #2412880 in Books 2011-10-01 2011-10-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 22.86 x 2.06 x 6.00l, 1.09 #File Name: 1580234577240 pages | File size: 31.Mb Reuven Hammer Ph.d : The Torah Revolution: Fourteen Truths that Changed the World before purchasing it in order to gage whether or not it would be worth my time, and all praised The Torah Revolution: Fourteen Truths that Changed the World: 1 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Could be BetterBy A.E. PreroI'm not sure what I was expecting as I excitedly waited for this book to arrive. I guess something deep and meaningful for my life. After all..."revolution", "changed the world"...are pretty big accolades. As a result, I was disappointed. Not all that deep. Not written in a very interesting way. Not world-changing. Maybe for some people but I didn't find it to be so.12 of 12 people found the following review helpful. Fourteen biblical truths that changed the worldBy Israel DrazinRabbi Dr. Reuven Hammer is the author of many scholarly books written in a popular, easy to read, and informative style. In this volume, he discusses fourteen truths that underlie many teachings, laws, and stories contained in the Hebrew Bible, truths that have been accepted by many cultures and changed the thinking and behaviors of many societies. He quotes the Bible sections that inspired the truths and cites many authorities that confirm what he is saying. "My intent, then, in writing this book" he tells us, "was to discover and explore those core concepts on which the original religion of Israel was based, as expressed in the Torah."He writes that it is true that the Torah's new concepts were not fully implemented in the past: "Sometimes that took generations, and sometimes there were retreats from the purity of these ideas. Some have yet to fully realized." But the concepts are there in the Torah, and little by little, societies are coming to recognize these truths and implementing them. What are they?1. Only one God exists. God is eternal, without physical needs, just, and merciful.2. There is no supernatural evil force in the world.3. God expects people to act properly. Ritual is secondary to right conduct.4. God does not need sacrifices. Worship helps people, not God.5. Human life is sacred.6. All people are equal.7. Men and women are equal.8. Humans have free will and can choose their actions.9. Human leaders are subordinate to the laws of God.10. Priests and Levites have no special powers and no secret knowledge.11. Land and wealth should be distributed equitably.12. Slavery of all kinds should be mitigated.13. The needy must be cared for.14. There should be a day of rest for everyone, including animals.Hammer discusses each of these truths in detail, compares them to the way other societies handled them, tells some of the history of how these ideas developed, and suggests further improvements. Readers will learn much from this book and have a better and deeper appreciation of the Hebrew Bible.3 of 17 people found the following review helpful. Beware of Modern and RelevantBy just_me"...surprisingly modern and relevant: humanity is one as God is one; human beings are responsible for their actions and have the choice to do good or evil; poverty, deprivation, slavery and hatred are evils that must be eradicated. He shows how a society based on these principles would revolutionize civilization and lead toward a more perfect world for humankind."Sounds like the Tower of Babel. Let everyone come together as one and do whatever feels right to man rather than focus upon what G-D wants. The word "relevant" as used today makes me cringe. It usually means rewriting His word to conform to human desires. This all leads to One World Global Government and Multi-faith-all-gods-treated-equally world. Unlock the powerful truths that shattered ancient beliefs and paved the way for the new and revolutionary religion that became Judaism.This is a unique look at the Torah?the foundation of Jewish existence?and the revolutionary teachings of Moses embedded within it that gave birth to Judaism and influenced the world.Dr. Reuven Hammer presents fourteen radical ideas found in Torah, explains their original intentions, and shows how understanding these "truths" can help you better understand the narrative and laws of Judaism. He shows how when taken together, these value concepts present a picture of human life that is surprisingly modern and relevant to our goals for repairing the world today:bull; Humanity is one as God is onebull; Human beings are responsible for their actions and have the choice to do good or evilbull; Poverty, deprivation, slavery and hatred are evils that must be eradicatedbull; The earth is not ours to destroybull; The love of others is a divine commandbull; And much more ... "Judiciously identif[ies] the religious ideas unique to Judaism, and presents them in a manner accessible to any reader. He deserves our thanks for this book."?Rabbi Harold Kushner, author, When Bad Things Happen to Good People"Presents what is unique and enduringly significant about the teachings of Moses and the Hebrew Bible. Identifies the ongoing spiritual relevance and insights of those teachings for Jews and Gentiles alike. An important contribution."?Rabbi David Ellenson, president, Hebrew Union Collegendash;Jewish Institute of Religionldquo;Plumb[s] both the moral depths and spiritual power of Torah ... with eloquence and excellence.rdquo;?Rabbi Julie Schonfeld, executive vice president, the Rabbinical Assemblyldquo;Masterful ... speaks to our generation with important and powerful ideas. Persuasive, inspiring and rewarding reading.rdquo;?Rabbi Irving "Yitz" Greenberg, past president, Jewish Life Networkldquo;Presented with ... scholarship, insight and lucid writing. Valuable for personal reading, study groups and divrei Torah, and I recommend it strongly.rdquo;?Jeffrey H. Tigay, Emeritus Ellis Professor of Hebrew and Semitic Languages and Literatures, University of Pennsylvanialdquo;To distill the essential truths of the Torah requires both learning and vision. Reuven Hammer has achieved this in superlative style.rdquo;?Rabbi David J. Wolpe, Sinai Temple, Los Angeles; author, Why Faith Mattersldquo;With erudition and masterful use of language ... exposes the most compelling intellectual arguments for living a full and rich Jewish life. A 'must read' destined to become a new classic.rdquo;?Rabbi Jeffrey K. Salkin, editor, The Modern Men's Torah Commentaryldquo;Cogent and clear.... Enables us to appreciate the significance of the Bible anew, not only for our understanding of the past, but for how we think and act today.rdquo;?Rabbi Elliot N. Dorff, author, The Way Into Tikkun Olam (Repairing the World)About the AuthorRabbi Reuven Hammer, PhD, is a world renowned scholar, an inspiring Jewish educator and noted Jewish leader. He was named one of the "Forward 50"?a list of the most influential members of the American Jewish community?and is a former president of the International Rabbinical Assembly. He is a recipient of the Simon Greenberg Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Rabbinate by the Zeigler Rabbinical School of American Jewish University. A prolific writer, he is the author of many books, including, The Torah Revolution: Fourteen Truths That Changed the World (Jewish Lights) and Entering the High Holy Days, a winner of the National Jewish Book Award.Rabbi Reuven Hammer, PhD, is also available to speak on the following topics:Revolutionary TorahThe Symphony of PrayerMaking Prayer MeanigfulReligion in Israel: Too Much or Too LittlePolitical Ethics in Israel [6qNin.ebook] The Torah Revolution: Fourteen Truths that Changed the World By Reuven Hammer Ph.d PDF [6qNin.ebook] The Torah Revolution: Fourteen Truths that Changed the World By Reuven Hammer Ph.d Epub [6qNin.ebook] The Torah Revolution: Fourteen Truths that Changed the World By Reuven Hammer Ph.d Ebook [6qNin.ebook] The Torah Revolution: Fourteen Truths that Changed the World By Reuven Hammer Ph.d Rar [6qNin.ebook] The Torah Revolution: Fourteen Truths that Changed the World By Reuven Hammer Ph.d Zip [6qNin.ebook] The Torah Revolution: Fourteen Truths that Changed the World By Reuven Hammer Ph.d Read Online.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Interpersonal Relationships by Rabbi Sheryl Katzman and Galya Greenberg 4
    CM SourceBook Covers May 2014 Alt:CM cover 8/5/14 10:03 AM Page 8 SOURCEBOOK FOR COMMUNITY LEARNING: JANUARY Interpersonal Relationships by Rabbi Sheryl Katzman and Galya Greenberg 4 www.chaimitzvah.org 4–Interpersonal Relationships: Family & Friends INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS i introduction This story, reprinted from the bookWhen All You’ve Ever Wanted Isn’t Enough, serves as a foundation to begin thinking about the intimate, personal relationships in our lives. text א I was sitting on a beach one summer day, watching two children, a boy and a girl, playing in the sand. They were hard at work building an elaborate sand castle by the water’s edge, with gates and towers and moats and internal passages. Just when they had nearly finished their project, a big wave came along and knocked it down, reducing it to a heap of wet sand. I expected the children to burst into tears, devastated by what had happened to all their hard work. But they surprised me. Instead, they ran up the shore away from the water, laughing and holding hands, and sat down to build another castle. I realized that they had taught me an important lesson. All the things in our lives, all the complicated structures we spend so much time and energy creating, are built on sand. Only our relationships to other people endure. Sooner or later, the wave will come along and knock down what we have worked so hard to build up. When that happens, only the person who has somebody’s hand to hold will be able to laugh.
    [Show full text]
  • Etz Hayim Torah and Commentary Pdf
    Etz hayim torah and commentary pdf Continue tree of life in English) hummash, also known as Etz Hayim: Torah and Commentary, is a humash (Torah in print), published and used by the conservative Jewish movement. Its production included the cooperation of the Rabbinical Assembly, the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism and the Jewish Society of Publications. Authors Senior ,עץ חיים Etz Hayim (etz hayyim Editor: David L. Lieber P'Shat Comment editor: Chaim Potok D'Rash Comment Editor: Harold Kushner Haftar Comment: Michael Fishbein Literary Editor: Jules Harlow Halah L'Maaseh Editors: Elliot Dorff and Susan Grossman Content Etz Haim contains text in Hebrew Torah, a modern English translation of the Hebrew edition (JPS) into Hebrew, a series of comments written in English about the Torah, which run along with the Hebrew text and its English translation, as well as a number of essays on Thor and Tanah at the back of the book. Etz Hayim contains three types of commentary: p'shat, which discusses the literal meaning of the text, the drash, which relies on Talmudic, medieval, chassidic, and modern Jewish sources to set out on the deeper meaning of the text, and halacha l'maaseh, which explains how the text relates to current Jewish practice and halacha, or Jewish law. The essays at the back cover a wide range of topics, from kosher to eschatology and everything in between. Some essays support the traditional view that the Torah is the divine word of God, while others challenge it and question the historicality of some biblical narratives. This caused objections among Orthodox circles in connection with the publication.
    [Show full text]
  • 22992/RA Indexes
    INDEX of the PROCEEDINGS of THE RABBINICAL ASSEMBLY ❦ INDEX of the PROCEEDINGS of THE RABBINICAL ASSEMBLY ❦ Volumes 1–62 1927–2000 Annette Muffs Botnick Copyright © 2006 by The Rabbinical Assembly ISBN 0-916219-35-6 All rights reserved. No part of the text may be reproduced in any form, nor may any page be photographed and reproduced, without written permission of the publisher. Manufactured in the United States of America Designed by G&H SOHO, Inc. CONTENTS Preface . vii Subject Index . 1 Author Index . 193 Book Reviews . 303 v PREFACE The goal of this cumulative index is two-fold. It is to serve as an historical reference to the conventions of the Rabbinical Assembly and to the statements, thoughts, and dreams of the leaders of the Conser- vative movement. It is also to provide newer members of the Rabbinical Assembly, and all readers, with insights into questions, problems, and situations today that are often reminiscent of or have a basis in the past. The entries are arranged chronologically within each author’s listing. The authors are arranged alphabetically. I’ve tried to incorporate as many individuals who spoke on a subject as possible, as well as included prefaces, content notes, and appendices. Indices generally do not contain page references to these entries, and I readily admit that it isn’t the professional form. However, because these indices are cumulative, I felt that they were, in a sense, an historical set of records of the growth of the Conservative movement through the twentieth century, and that pro- fessional indexers will forgive these lapses.
    [Show full text]
  • Introduction to Judaism Syllabus
    5773 (2012) Community Wide Introduction to Judaism Course Co-Sponsored by Sacramento Rabbis' Associaton and the Jewish Federation of the Sacramento Region Instructor: Dr. David Zuckerman Mondays 7-9pm Email: [email protected] About the Course and the Syllabus The course and syllabus have been designed with multiple audiences in mind. Some students might be Jews involved with a synagogue and would like to fill in gaps in their basic Jewish education. Some might be totally unfamiliar with Judaism, may or may not be Jewish, but have heard or read something about Judaism and want to learn more. Others might be committed to another faith and interested in learning about the Jewish roots of Christianity and Islam. Still others might be working on conversion to Judaism. All are welcome. Because of our limited time and the vastness of the material that I would like to cover, we need to begin promptly at 7:00 PM. The lectures are designed to be responsive to questions. Remember the Rabbinic admonition, “One who is embarrassed [to ask questions], does not learn.” Please read the material before you come to each Monday’s class. Write down words you don’t understand or can’t pronounce, make note of concepts you find challenging, appealing, or even appalling. Bring questions to class, or email them to me before we meet so that I can incorporate them into the night’s conversation. This class will teach you the basics about Judaism, and will give you the opportunity to meet the community’s rabbis and see several of the congregations.
    [Show full text]
  • Noteworthy Jewish Descendants of Mariampole and Vicinity
    Chapter 2 Noteworthy Jewish Descendants of Mariampole and Vicinity INTRODUCTION Some Mariampolers managed to survive not only the difficulties of life under the Russian Tsar and the Communists, but also the far more murderous designs of the Nazi regime. Those who managed to save themselves by immigrating to America and other parts of the world multiplied, and, in time, prospered as well. Within two or three generations, their descendants contributed to society in a great number of professions and community services. Some Jewish Mariampoler descendants have risen to high levels of achievement. By recognizing the work of those who have survived, we can surmise how much poorer our world is for the loss of those whose lives were cut short. While this is by no means a complete account of all of the descendants who have made valuable contributions, it is my hope that these biographical sketches will encourage others to share with me their stories so that they can be included in a subsequent edition of this project. If you know of someone who should be included, contact the author listed above or the Chicago History Museum. NOTEWORTHY Biographies of a few notable Mariampolers and their descendants are incorporated DESCENDANTS here in alphabetical order: Aron Abelheim — Physician Jacob Berkson — Businessman Joseph Achron — Musician Izis (Izrael) Bidermanas — Artist Yitzchok Achron — Teacher Sam Borenstein — Artist Max Band — Artist Samuel Brittan — Economist Dvora Baron — Author Leon Brittan — British Politician Shlomo Batnitzky — Rabbinic Judge Abraham Braunstein — Medical Researcher Jonathan Batnitzky — Journalist Sam J. Cohen — Businessman Solomon Batnitzky — Physician / Professor Elkes Elhanan — Physician Leora F.
    [Show full text]
  • Why Do the Righteous Suffer, Which Is Even Put Into the Mouth of Moses (Ber
    UnOrthodox Jewish Beliefs Rabbi Steven Morgen, Congregation Beth Yeshurun SESSION FIVE: THEODICY – WHY DOES GOD ALLOW (CAUSE?) BAD THINGS TO HAPPEN TO GOOD PEOPLE? Diagram of the Problem God is God is All-Powerful good (One of these four Good assumptions must go.) Person Bad Thing Happens 1. Second Paragraph of Shema (Deuteronomy 11:13-21) – (Good people are rewarded, bad are punished. Corollary: if bad things happen, must have done something wrong.) 2. Psalm 37 (need God’s perspective – over time; verse 25) 3. Talmud Berakhot 7a (concludes with Inscrutability) (Moses asks God for three things, only gets 2) 4. Pirkei Avot 4:15 – Inscrutability (R. Yannai: It is not in our power to understand …) (discussed in Louis Jacobs below) 5. Talmud Menahot 29b – Inscrutability (Moses in Rabbi Akiba’s Bet Midrash – and seeing him die) (discussed in Louis Jacobs below) 6. Talmud Kiddushin 39b – Things will work out in the next life. (Story of boy shooing away the mother bird before taking its young – at father’s request.) OR: don’t rely on miracles (rickety ladder) 7. Louis Jacobs piece on Biblical and Rabbinic Responses to Suffering at http://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/biblical-and-rabbinic-responses-to-suffering/ 8. David Kraemer article “Medieval Responses to Suffering and Evil” from My Jewish Learning website: http://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/medieval-jewish-responses-to-suffering-evil/ 9. Or Rose “The Holocaust: Responding to Modern Suffering” at http://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/the-holocaust-responding-to-modern-suffering/. 10. Harold Kushner’s piece “When Bad Things Happen to Good People” at http://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/when-bad-things-happen-to-good-people/ 11.
    [Show full text]
  • Modern Conservative Judaism Evolving Thought and Practice
    Modern Conservative Judaism Evolving Thought and Practice Elliot N. Dorff Foreword by Julie Schonfeld A co- publication of the Jewish Publication Society and the Rabbinical Assembly Contents Foreword, by Rabbi Julie Schonfeld xv Preface xvii Introduction: The Roots of Conservative Judaism 1 Conservative Judaism’s European Beginnings 1 Taking Root in America 8 Rabbi Solomon Schechter’s Concept of “Catholic Israel” 9 Taking Off in America 11 Rabbi Mordecai Kaplan’s Concept of “Judaism as a Civilization” 13 Articulating Conservative Judaism’s Faith and Practice 15 Definitions and Demographic Declines 17 Reading This Book 18 Suggestions for Further Reading 18 paRt 1. GoD 1. Emunah: Theology 21 Emet Ve- Emunah on Theology 22 Modern Conservative Theologies 29 Rationalism 29 Religious Naturalism 35 Process Thought 39 Mysticism 44 Feminist Theology 47 Suggestions for Further Reading 52 2. Tefillah: Prayer 53 Emet Ve- Emunah on Prayer 53 Introducing Conservative/Masorti Theories of Prayer 59 Rabbi Mordecai Kaplan 60 Rabbi Bradley Shavit Artson 64 Rabbi Elliot N. Dorff 66 Prayer through the Lens of Prayer Books 70 Maḥzor Lev Shalem Offers a New Window into Conservative Prayer 73 The Evolving Conservative Prayer Service 77 The Next Frontier in Conservative Worship 79 Suggestions for Further Reading 79 paRt 2. toRah 3. Talmud Torah: Study 83 Emet Ve- Emunah on Jewish Study 85 Dr. Arnold Eisen on Conservative Jewish Learning 87 Suggestions for Further Reading 92 4. Halakhah: Legal Theories 93 1913 Preamble to the Constitution of the United Synagogue of America 93 Emet Ve- Emunah on Jewish Law (1988) 94 Understanding Theories of Law 98 Some Conservative/Masorti Theories of Jewish Law 100 Rabbi Joel Roth on a Deductive Legal System 101 Rabbi Neil Gillman on Communal Responses to Shared Myths 104 Rabbi Elliot N.
    [Show full text]
  • DRAFT AS of 7/5/18 Introduction to Judaism
    DRAFT AS OF 7/5/18 MINNEAPOLIS CONSERVATIVE SYNAGOGUES Introduction to Judaism 5779 / 2018-2019 Rabbi Alexander Davis Rabbi Avram Ettedgui Rabbi Harold Kravitz Beth El Synagogue Sharei Chesed Congregation Adath Jeshurun Congregation 5225 Barry Street West 1712 Hopkins Road 10500 Hillside Lane St. Louis Park, MN 55416 Minnetonka, MN 55305-2029 Minnetonka, MN 55305 952.873.7300 763.545.8800 952.545.2424 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] https://www.besyn.org/ http://www.shareichesed.org/ http://www.adathjeshurun.org/ Oct 9 – Dec 18, 2018 Jan 8, – Feb 5, 2019 Feb 12 – May 14, 2019 The class will be held on Tuesday evenings, from Oct 9, 2018, through May 14, 2019, and will meet from 7:30 to 9:00 pm. The class also includes a Shabbat dinner and a tour and explanation of the mikvah. Each of the above rabbis will teach part of the course, and class sessions will be held at each teaching rabbi’s synagogue during his portion. As the year progresses, we will offer a course in Hebrew Reading, which will be taught by Rachel Levitt. It will meet on Tuesdays from 6:30 to 7:30 pm, beginning Nov __, 2018. The fee for the Hebrew course is $125 per individual or $160 per couple; make checks payable to Adath Jeshurun Congregation. (Please contact your sponsoring rabbi if there is any concern about the cost of the course.) The class will teach phonetic Hebrew reading and home-based prayer skills (e.g., b’rakhot [blessings] for foods, Shabbat home rituals, reciting the Sh’ma, etc.), plus some frequently used modern Hebrew terms.
    [Show full text]