Creating an Ethical Jewish Life: A Practical Introduction to Classic Teachings on How to Be a Jew Paperback – February 1, 2001

In this day of egocentricity, it's especially nice to find a modern volume warning against it, and quoting ancient and medieval texts to do so. I'm especially taken with the teaching of Moses Hayyim Luzzatto (from Mesilat Yesharim --- the Path of the Upright): "Pride is literally a form of blindness which prevents even one who is wise from seeing his own shortcomings."Similarly, pride is "stupidity of which it possessor is unable to divest himself," advises The Choice of Pearls. "The arrogant person is one who closes himself or herself off not only from honest self-awareness, but from authentic relationships with others." Therefore arrogance is considered a dangerous moral vice, "replete with destructive potentialities."Though not observant of all 613 Jewish mitzvot (good deeds), I take humility seriously, and given its rarity in our age, always appreciate commendation of its virtues.The book also has many other good chapters within its three sections---on reverence for and communication with God, caring for oneself mentally and physically, and relating to and relating with others.A very fine addition to Jewish libraries, and a great introduction for all non-Jews interested in learning more about Jewish ethics.

Bought this book for a class. Sold it to a book store. Didn't appeal to me.

This book is a set of essays discussing Jewish literature (mostly from the Middle Ages)on a variety of ethical and theological issues. Most of the book was well written but told me little I had not read elsewhere.I note two exceptions to this. On the positive side, the chapter on charity skillfully pointed out some of the differences between Jewish and Christian ethics: the Christian ethic of charity is more ambitious but has not always institutionalized support for the disadvantaged as consistently as has Jewish law. On the negative side, the book's discussion of medieval Jewish medical writings doesn't seem particularly relevant to ethics or useful to modern readers, since even the most advanced medieval medicine is fairly questionable by modern standards.