Joseph B Meszler

What is Jewish men's spirituality? In today's world, is it necessary? A provocative look at how a new generation of Jewish men can grow spiritually, and in doing so, strengthen the intangible bonds of family, love, duty and truth which ultimately lead to God. It unearths the male stereotypes that exist in Judaism and color our expectations for what it means to be a Jewish man in today's world. It examines Jewish sources that reveal the traditional life cycle of a man--from son to partner in marriage to father--and in doing so uncovers the ideals that define being a Jewish man. It also views Jewish men within the context of a sacred community and what that means for the sacred obligations of manhood.

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 words calling us to hear, to listen, to pay attention defy 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 Sh ma, inspiring you to claim your own personal meaning in these enduring words. By examining how the Sh ma 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 Sh ma. Each chapter focuses on a major historical figure and includes a sacred story, an exploration into the story s many meanings, and a suggestion for a new way of "hearing" the voice in the story. Experience the Sh ma through the lives of: w Moses Fighting Idolatry w Akiba ben Joseph The Sages Offer Their Lives w Saaida Gaon Proving the One w Moses Maimonides Nothing Like God w Haim Vital Communing with the One w Moses Haim Luzzatto Master of the Universe w Abraham Isaac Kook A Nation Reborn w Leo Baeck One Moral Standard w Abraham Joshua Heschel A Prophecy: One World or No World "