Although Jewish scholars have recognized the French philosopher Emmanuel Levinas as one of the greatest minds of this century, the majority of Jews have remained ignorant of his teachings, largely because his work-even in translation-is dense and erudite. Rabbi Ira Stone, who has studied Levinas s work for many years and incorporated his methods and perspectives into his own teaching, now makes Levinas accessible to lay readers for the first time."

Description: ""Love your neighbor"" is the central obligation of Jewish life. Mussar, a late nineteenth-century Jewish renewal movement, focused on this precept as a means of self-improvement and spiritual growth. Through the practical applications of Mussar, one can learn how to awaken to a spirituality that is compassionate, moral, and generous. In this book, Rabbi Ira Stone provides a contemporary theological framework for understanding Mussar and describes how participation in a Mussar group can offer support and guidance for this powerful spiritual practice. Endorsements: ""This book is...

For people who never thought they would read a book of theology--let alone understand it, enjoy it, savor it and have it affect the way they think about their lives.

In forty-five intense meditations, each a page or two in length, Stone takes us on explorations of the most basic human struggles: life and death, love and anger, peace and war, covenant and exile.

Short, carefully crafted, gentle meditations take us on explorations of the most basic human struggles. For people who never thought they would read a book of theology-let alone understand it, enjoy it, savor it and have it affect their lives.