SPIRITUALITY & RELIGION

Judaism Is About Love: Recovering the Heart of Jewish Life

by Shai Held
Farrar. Mar. 2024. 560p. ISBN 9780374192440. $35. REL
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People often think of Christianity in terms of love and a focus on faith. Many, however, often view Judaism in terms of action, with a concentration on rituals and moral actions. Rabbi Held (Hadar Inst.; The Heart of Torah) believes this understanding is inaccurate. He asserts that Judaism is more about love: God’s love for people, their responding love to God, and their love for others. While Judaism certainly does emphasize certain actions, it does so under the broader framework of love. He presents this argument partly for the scholarly community; there are more than 130 endnotes. But he also wants to reach general readers. He presents them with a deeper reflection of what spirituality and love are and how they can be reflected in individual roles as parents, spouses, children, and members of society.
VERDICT A relevant and useful title that’s perfect for readers interested in Judaism, theology, religious ethics, or social justice.
Reviewed by John Jaeger , Jan 26, 2024
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