Open Minded Torah: Of Irony, Fundamentalism and Love - Softcover

Kolbrener, William

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1441118667 ISBN 13: 9781441118660

Publisher: Continuum, 2011

Synopsis

In essays as likely to turn to baseball, Denzel Washington, and the NASDAQ as to Macbeth, quantum physics and psychoanalysis, William Kolbrener provides powerful - and often surprising - insights into how open mindedness allows for authentic Jewish commitment in an age otherwise defined by fundamentalism and unbelief. Open Minded Torah presents - on topics ranging from parenting a son with Down syndrome to Biblical criticism to Talmudic interpretation of dreams - a perspective on Torah which emphasizes scepticism, creativity and the need to embrace difference. Through a personal synthesis of Western and Jewish learning, popular culture and philosophy, Kolbrener offers a compelling new vision where being open minded allows for a non-dogmatic and committed Jewish life. Informed by Kolbrener's considerable erudition, but always accessible, the essays show that scepticism informs belief, commitment grounds creativity, and non-defensive receptiveness makes individual autonomy possible. For every person, it is said, there is a corresponding letter in the Torah: this innovative collection shows Kolbrener writing his letter, and providing the inspiration for others to write their own.

About this title

Product Description:

Rare Book

Review:

When a great and capacious mind, blessed with sensibility and sensitivity, engages in conversation with the timeless texts of Torah, the result is both enlightening and enthralling. That is what William Kolbrener's new book represents, and all whose Judaism is reflective and thoughtful will be enlarged by it. --Chief Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks

About this edition

• Publisher: Continuum
• Publication date: 2011
• ISBN 10: 1441118667
• ISBN 13: 9781441118660
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 200