Featuring sections on issues like “Prison Reform,” “Corporate Ethics, Consumer Responsibility, & Worker Rights,” “Theology and Social Justice,” and “Ethical Challenges within the Orthodox Community,” this groundbreaking anthology of articles by Rabbi Shmuly Yanklowitz inspires and informs readers about social justice in our times. With a core message of spirituality and justice, this tour-de-force connects religious tradition with modern society and concludes with reflections on key values, middot, for today’s social justice activists.
What Readers Have to Say About “Jewish Ethics & Social Justice”:
Rabbi Shmuly Yanklowitz's name has become synonymous with the call for ethical renewal and social justice within the American Jewish community. A modern Orthodox rabbi, he fuses ancient teachings with progressive sensibilities. In this much-needed volume, he shares with readers his thoughts on central questions of our day. Our world will be a better place if his message is widely heeded.
A crucial reminder that Jewish learning and tradition are crucial resources to address the moral problems and challenges of our time...merges a sophisticated approach to Torah with a passionate voice of conscience that we all must consider.
This volume is significant not only for its contents, but as a symbol of a new generation of Orthodox Jews who strive to put their Jewish knowledge and ideals into action on behalf of society...In this book, Rabbi Yanklowitz raises his voice on these large issues...he points the way for a better, more engaged and more relevant Orthodox Judaism...and for a better world.
Table of Contents:
Social Justice at the Core
1. A Vision for Street Torah
2. Speak Truth to Power
3. Invisible People: We Have the Power to Make Them Visible
4. A Jewish Call for Social Justice
Social Justice in our Time
5. The Ethics of Innovation
6. The health-care battle: A Jewish issue?
7. Jewish Wisdom, and a ‘Wise Latina’
8. Where are the Women in the Global Future Discourse?
9. Global Affairs: A Balancing Act?
10. Creatures in the Nation-State
Theology & Social Justice
11. A God That Repents and Seeks Liberation?
12. Yeridat HaDorot, The Descent of Man: Is Progress Possible in our Time?
13. Reborn Again? A Jewish Moral Argument for Reincarnation
14. Why does G-d test us? A Spiritual Strategy for Resisting Ethical Temptation
15. A Chassidic Approach to Spiritual Materialism and Ethical Consumption
Jewish Leadership & Identity
16. A Jewish Imperative to live in the Diaspora?
17. Who is a Jewish Hero?
18. Post-modern Jewish Identity
19. The Calling
20. A Jewish Vision for 2025
21. A Life Without Limbs, A Life Without Limits
22. Global Unity or Chaos? Special Report from the World Economic Forum
Corporate Ethics & Consumer Responsibility
23. The BP Oil Spill, Personal Responsibility and Jewish Law
24. Transparency, Philanthropy, & Disaster Relief
25. Casino Jack: Are We Trapped in Money Worship?
26. Competition, Pricing, Consumer Responsibility and Fair Trade in a Global Economy: A Modern Jewish Perspective
Worker Rights
27. Jewish Hotel Ethics
28. Banim as Bonim: Does Jewish Tradition Condone Child Labor?
29. The Forgotten Population: Domestic Workers in Our Homes
30. Undocumented Workers: Good for America? Good for the Jews?
Prison Reform
31. Alternatives to Incarceration: A Jewish Approach
32. Pregnant Inmates Chained During Labor: On the Dignity of Childbirth
33. Solitary Confinement: When Solitude is no Longer a Virtue
34. Prison Reform: A Torah Perspective on the American Crisis
Ethical Challenges within the Orthodox Community
35. Extravagant Jewish Celebrations – Have We Gone Too Far?
36. Jewish Feminism Beyond Ritual?
37. Discrimination Within Orthodoxy?
38. Orthodox Solidarity with Frum Homosexuals
39. Kiddush Clubs: A Destructive Force?
40. The Shame of Orthodoxy
41. Gold for Rubashkin or Guatemalans?
42. Another Kosher Scandal: What’s at Stake
43. Intertwining Inner & Outer Religious Life: Yehuda haLevi’s Human Law & Divine Law
Jewish Holidays – Reminders of our Core Values
44. A Jewish Apology to the World
45. Moving out to the Sukkah – A Reflection on Ethical Consumption
46. Chanukkah Gelt: Giving This Holiday Season
47. An Annual Call to Justice
Jewish Ethics & Spirituality
48. Middah Reflection #1: Achrayut-Responsibility
49. Middah Reflection #2: Anivut, Humility
50. Middah Reflection #3: Savlanut vs. Zrizut, Patience vs. Alacrity
51. Middah Reflection #4: Messianic Yearning
52. Middah Reflection #5: Pursuit of God in Justice
53. Middah Reflection #6: Actualizing One’s Potential
54. Middah Reflection #7: Activisms of Love and hate
What is this book about? | Who is Rav Shmuly? | Back to Home
