Living The Letters
Description
In this work, Michael Marmur employs the structure of the Hebrew alphabet to set out elements of an emerging Jewish theology, presenting a case for the urgent relevance of Jewish life at a time of deepening rupture and accelerating change. He presents core components of a theory and practice of contemporary Judaism.
The Hebrew alphabet has long beguiled and preoccupied Biblical authors and liturgical poets, rationalists and mystics, conservatives and radicals. It has served as a locus of theological speculation, an engine of creativity and a recurrent motif throughout the cycle of life, from childhood instruction to graveside recitation. For each letter of the Hebrew alphabet, Marmur proposes a concept, gleaned from theology, philosophy, ritual, politics, community and other fields. Readers are invited to combine and deploy them in imagining a Judaism of tomorrow.
This is an open access book.
Reviews / Votes
"Rabbi Marmur ambitiously makes the case for a passionate, literate, modern Judaism that balances our particular and universal obligations. His 'crunchy' theology, doled out in delicious bite-sized chunks with each letter of the Hebrew alphabet, nourished me with a meaty nugget of Jewish thought that I turned over and over with joy. Living the Letters is both brilliant and accessible, serious and witty, deep and wide. It helped articulate my own commitment to a liberal Judaism of integrity." (Angela Buchdahl, Senior Rabbi, Central Synagogue, NY)
"Elements of a Jewish Theology is a magisterial exploration of the possibilities, and pitfalls, of contemporary Jewish life and theology. This brilliant "lexicon" offers readers a new way of thinking about the most pressing spiritual and ethical questions of our day, drawing together a vast range of sources into a compelling narrative that is both accessibly clear and soaringly poetic. Marmur's book is an absolute must for anyone interested in a vibrant and honest expression of Judaism!" (Ariel Evan Mayse, Associate Professor of Religious Studies, Stanford University)
"Written with characteristic wit, theological creativity, and ethical seriousness, as well as all the linguistic dexterities of a Hebrew speaker, Michael Marmur's Elements of a Jewish Theology is fully situated in the revelatory space between Jewry's historical moment and its eternity. Meriting the attention of a general and scholarly readership, this original book looks set to be a new classic in the field." (Melissa Raphael, Professor Emerita Jewish Theology, University of Gloucestershire and Leo Back College, London.)
"Is it possible to craft a Jewish theology that is both rigorous and readable, traditional and contemporary, coherent and altogether creative? With this volume, Michael Marmur, one of our generation's preeminent thinkers, answers with a resounding YES! Building on those who came before, Marmur's volume provides the living script for all future drafts of Jewish theology." (Elliot Cosgrove - Rabbi, Park Avenue Synagogue. Author, For Such a Time as This: On Being Jewish Today)
More details
Person
Michael Marmur is a Reform rabbi based in Jerusalem, where he is Associate Professor of Jewish Theology at the Hebrew Union College. He was previously Dean of the Jerusalem School and Provost of the College. He served as Chair of the Israeli organization Rabbis for Human Rights.
Content
Introduction.- Aspaklaria: Prophecy and Pluralism.- Bi: Spirituality and Responsibility.- Gader: Borders and Boundaries.- Dovev: Quotation and Education.- Hogenet: Decency and Society.- Vegoralenu: Peoplehood and Chosenness.- Zeman Nakat: History and Change.- Chai Vekayam: The Existence and Insistence of God.- Tefachim: A Torah of Tension.- Yetzer Lev Ha'adam: On Human Nature.- Kosot Yeshu'ah: Frameworks of Jewish Thought.- Lehaniach: The Assumption of Ritual.- Masoret: Tradition!.- Neder: Vows and Commitments.- Safek: The Benefit of Doubt.- Azazel: Gaza and Expulsion.- Pi Yagid: Prayer and Language.- Tzechok: Judaism and Humor.- Kehillah: Community.- Reshit: The Flowering of Our Redemption?.- Sha'at Hamefazrim: Judaism Thick and Thin.- Taluy: Dependence and Independence.- The Twenty-Third Letter.