Taking Hold of Torah

Jews have both benefited and suffered from the fraying of traditional loyalties that has come to characterise modern American culture. In each of the five chapters, Arnold M. Eisen examines a major issue or theme related to his vision for the renewal of Jewish communities - in terms of one of the five books of the Torah. What is the meaning and purpose of Jewish tradition? What is the significance of faith and covenant? What are the contemporary uses of ritual? What should a new agenda for politics in American Jewish life include? What legacy is to be left to future generations? This encouraging work is essential reading for anyone concerned with questions of Jewish faith and the future of Judaism. How to prevent the dissolution of American Judaism in an era that lacks the integral communities and vibrant religious traditions of an earlier age? To cope with these challenges, Arnold Eisen seeks guidance in the living legacy of the five books of Torah. Through personal readings of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy, Eisen examines issues relating to the meaning and purpose of Jewish tradition, the significance of faith and covenant, the contemporary uses of ritual, a new agenda for politics in American Jewish life, and the legacies to be left to future generations.