There Shall Be No Needy: Pursuing Social Justice Through Jewish Law & Tradition

Book Summary

How can a Jewish approach to social justice offer positive change for America? Confront the most pressing issues of twenty-first-century America in this fascinating book, which brings together classical Jewish sources, contemporary policy debate, and real-life stories. Rabbi Jill Jacobs, a leading young voice in the social justice arena, makes a powerful argument for participation in the American public square from a deeply Jewish perspective, while deepening our understanding of the relationship between Judaism and such current social issues as: Poverty and the Poor Collection and Allocation of Tzedakah Workers,Employers and Unions Housing the Homeless The Provision of Healthcare Environmental Sustainability Crime,Punishment and Rehabilitation By creating a dialogue between traditional texts and current realities, Jacobs presents a template for engagement in public life from a Jewish perspective and challenges us to renew our obligations to each other. "Ancient texts offer significant wisdom about human nature, economic cycles, the causes of inequality, and our obligations to each other. These insights can inform our own approaches to current issues, challenge our assumptions, and force us to consider alternative approaches. The conversation between our texts and our lives can enrich our experience of both." --from the Introduction "A landmark work.... A model for how informed Jewish discourse on issues in the public square ought to take place. Required reading for all persons interested in what Judaism has to say on matters of social and public import. I cannot recommend it highly enough." --Rabbi David Ellenson, president, Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion "A contemporary Guide for the Perplexed.... Thoughtful and detailed ... it acknowledges different perspectives, engages the debate, challenges our assumptions and pushes us to chart our own Jewish way in the world." --Ruth W. Messinger, president, American Jewish World Service "A powerful textual journey that compels us to engage with the Jewish tradition's mandate for economic justice. Impressive scholarship, lively writing, and provocative analysis ... breathes new meaning into our ancient texts in the very best tradition of our ever-living Torah." --Rabbi David Saperstein, director, Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism

Book Details