A blueprint for living an ethical and meaningful life, based on the teachings of the late leader of the Lubavitch movement of Hassidic Jewry. Adapter Jacobson has edited and prepared the public talks of Rabbi Schneerson (widely known as the Rebbe and believed by many of his followers to be the messiah) for publication for 14 years. Here he presents the essence of the Rebbe's more universalist teachings, made relevant to non-Jews and assimilated Jews. In three sections (on man, society, and God), Jacobson paraphrases the core of the Rebbe's teachings. Living a moral and meaningful life, according to Rabbi Schneerson, is predicated on the recognition of God. A believer perceives life as a gift from God whose purpose is to allow us to improve the world and use our talents to enrich the lives of others. According to the Rebbe, life without faith would be ``a random series of logical and illogical errors.'' Mankind is morally weak and needs an absolute value system, based on divine revelation, to guide us. While the Torah was given via the Jews at Sinai, all humanity was charged with a moral code before Sinai: ``The very foundation of civilization rests upon the basic principles known as the Seven Noahide Laws.'' They include not only a belief in God, but respect for all life and for the family. Sex, according to the Rebbe, is wholesome and even sacred within the context of marriage. A healthy life is also relatively devoid of materialist pursuits and extraneous material comforts. Death is a journey in another vehicle rather than an end of life. Quotes from the Rebbe, anecdotes from his life, and an array of Jewish commentary supplement the text. While spiritual seekers may find more questions raised than answered, this book lays down the framework of a consistent moral vision. (Author tour)
Pub Date: Sept. 1, 1995
ISBN: 0-688-14196-X
Page Count: 256
Publisher: Morrow/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 1995
This a book of earlier, philosophical essays concerned with the essential "absurdity" of life and the concept that- to overcome the strong tendency to suicide in every thoughtful man-one must accept life on its own terms with its values of revolt, liberty and passion. A dreary thesis- derived from and distorting the beliefs of the founders of existentialism, Jaspers, Heldegger and Kierkegaard, etc., the point of view seems peculiarly outmoded. It is based on the experience of war and the resistance, liberally laced with Andre Gide's excessive intellectualism. The younger existentialists such as Sartre and Camus, with their gift for the terse novel or intense drama, seem to have omitted from their philosophy all the deep religiosity which permeates the work of the great existentialist thinkers. This contributes to a basic lack of vitality in themselves, in these essays, and ten years after the war Camus seems unaware that the life force has healed old wounds... Largely for avant garde aesthetes and his special coterie.
Pub Date: Sept. 26, 1955
ISBN: 0679733736
Page Count: 228
Publisher: Knopf
Review Posted Online: Sept. 19, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 1955
Worthwhile reference stuffed with facts and illustrations.
A compendium of charts, time lines, lists and illustrations to accompany study of the Bible.
This visually appealing resource provides a wide array of illustrative and textually concise references, beginning with three sets of charts covering the Bible as a whole, the Old Testament and the New Testament. These charts cover such topics as biblical weights and measures, feasts and holidays and the 12 disciples. Most of the charts use a variety of illustrative techniques to convey lessons and provide visual interest. A worthwhile example is “How We Got the Bible,” which provides a time line of translation history, comparisons of canons among faiths and portraits of important figures in biblical translation, such as Jerome and John Wycliffe. The book then presents a section of maps, followed by diagrams to conceptualize such structures as Noah’s Ark and Solomon’s Temple. Finally, a section on Christianity, cults and other religions describes key aspects of history and doctrine for certain Christian sects and other faith traditions. Overall, the authors take a traditionalist, conservative approach. For instance, they list Moses as the author of the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Hebrew Bible) without making mention of claims to the contrary. When comparing various Christian sects and world religions, the emphasis is on doctrine and orthodox theology. Some chapters, however, may not completely align with the needs of Catholic and Orthodox churches. But the authors’ leanings are muted enough and do not detract from the work’s usefulness. As a resource, it’s well organized, inviting and visually stimulating. Even the most seasoned reader will learn something while browsing.
Worthwhile reference stuffed with facts and illustrations.Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2005
ISBN: 978-1-5963-6022-8
Page Count: -
Publisher: N/A
Review Posted Online: May 23, 2010
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
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