Author Description

Reflections on Judaism & the human condition, showing selected Biblical & Talmudic texts in a new light & their relevance to everyday life. The book is philosophical, in its concern with fundamental questions & its reliance on philosophers & other thinkers. The essays' common conceptual stand is the struggle against egotism, which is explored in the contexts of self-deception, repentance, charity, prayer, faith, mourning & consolation, love of others & love of God. Several essays were written during the author's year of mourning for his father & represent an attempt to come to terms with that loss. The book generally marks the path one person has taken in trying to understand Jewish tradition in contemporary terms. One essay, "Some Thoughts on Mourning & Consolation," brings to bear a close reading of Biblical & Talmudic texts, in-depth analysis of Jewish law, & ideas of modern thinkers on the question, "What is consolation?" In part a psychology of grief, this essay is ultimately a spiritual inquiry into mourning & its meaning in Jewish life & human experience. "This is an extremely well thought-out book...an absorbing, deep read."--RI JEWISH HERALD. Order from Imagigraphics, P.O. Box 66253, Auburndale, MA 02166. (617) 965-7788.