An exploration of Judaism's most sacred statement and world-changing idea. "Hear O Israel, the Eternal is Our God, the Eternal is One!" There is arguably no more important statement in Judaism than the Sh'ma. Its wordscalling us to hear, to listen, to pay attentiondefy direct translation and have meant different things throughout history. In a deeply personal exploration of this sacred proclamation, command, and prayer, Rabbi Joseph B. Meszler delves into the spiritual history of the Shma, inspiring you to claim your own personal meaning in these enduring words. By examining how the Shma has been commented upon by ancient sages and contemporary thinkers, he opens the doors between each generation that has found a different dimension of truth in the Shma. Each chapter focuses on a major historical figure and includes a sacred story, an exploration into the storys many meanings, and a suggestion for a new way of "hearing" the voice in the story. Experience the Shma through the lives of: w MosesFighting Idolatry w Akiba ben JosephThe Sages Offer Their Lives w Saaida GaonProving the One w Moses MaimonidesNothing Like God w Haim VitalCommuning with the One w Moses Haim Luzzatto Master of the Universe w Abraham Isaac KookA Nation Reborn w Leo BaeckOne Moral Standard w Abraham Joshua HeschelA Prophecy: One World or No World
Rabbi Joseph B. Meszler is a noted spiritual leader and educator, recognized for his ability to connect the importance of Jewish tradition with everyday life. He is coauthor of The JGuy's Guide: The GPS for Jewish Teen Guys and author of A Man's Responsibility: A Jewish Guide to Being a Son, a Partner in Marriage, a Father and a Community Leader; Witnesses to the One: The Spiritual History of the Sh'ma and Facing Illness, Finding God: How Judaism Can Help You and Caregivers Cope When Body or Spirit Fails (all Jewish Lights). He is the rabbi at Temple Sinai in Sharon, Massachusetts, and an instructor at the Kehillah Schechter Academy.
Rabbi Joseph B. Meszler is available to speak on the following topics:
- The Spiritual History of the Sh'ma What "God Is One" Might Mean
- Not Your Father's Brotherhood: What Being a Jewish Man Meant Then and Now
- How Judaism Can Help You Cope with Illness
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Rabbi Elyse Goldstein, one of the leading rabbis of a new generation, is director of Kolel: The Adult Center for Liberal Jewish Learning, a full-time progressive adult Jewish learning center. Goldstein lectures frequently throughout North America. She is also editor of The Women's Torah Commentary: New Insights from Women Rabbis on the 54 Weekly Torah Portions; and The Women's Haftarah Commentary: New Insights from Women Rabbis on the 54 Weekly Haftarah Portions, the 5 Megillot and Special Shabbatot; and author of the award-winning New Jewish Feminism: Probing the Past, Forging the Future and ReVisions: Seeing Torah through a Feminist Lens (all Jewish Lights).
Rabbi Elyse Goldstein is available to speak on the following topics:
- Women and Judaism
- Reform Judaism
- Jewish Parenting
- General Judaica
