A Code of Jewish Ethics – You Shall Be Holy
A Code of Jewish Ethics Volume 1 You Shall Be Holy
A Code of Jewish Ethics, Volume 1: You Shall Be Holy is the initial volume of the first major code of Jewish ethics to be written in the English language. It is a monumental work on the vital topic of personal character and integrity by one of the premier Jewish scholars and thinkers of our time.
With the stated purpose of restoring ethics to its central role in Judaism, Rabbi Joseph Telushkin offers hundreds of examples from the Torah, the Talmud, rabbinic commentaries, and contemporary stories to illustrate how ethical teachings can affect our daily behavior. The subjects dealt with are ones we all encounter. They include judging other people fairly; knowing when forgiveness is obligatory, optional, or forbidden; balancing humility and self-esteem; avoiding speech that shames others; restraining our impulses of envy, hatred, and revenge; valuing truth but knowing when lying is permitted; understanding why God is the ultimate basis of morality; and appreciating the great benefits of Torah study. Telushkin has arranged the book in the traditional style of Jewish codes, with topical chapters and numbered paragraphs. Statements of law are almost invariably followed by anecdotes illustrating how these principles have been, or can be, practiced in daily life. The book can be read straight through to provide a solid grounding in Jewish values, consulted as a reference when facing ethical dilemmas, or studied in a group.
Vast in scope, this volume distills more than three thousand years of Jewish laws and suggestions on how to improve one's character and become more honest, decent, and just. It is a landmark work of scholarship that is sure to influence the lives of Jews for generations to come, rich with questions to ponder and discuss, but primarily a book to live by.
User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars Jewish Ethics from the Heart
Joseph Telushkin is a master thinker, author and communicator. This book is essential for anyone who wants to better understand the wealth of Jewish wisdom and ethics that can guide us in living a more fulfilled and meaningful life.
Amy Hirshberg Lederman,(www.amyhirshberglederman.com), author of "To Life! Jewish Reflections on Everyday Living" and "One God, Many Paths: Finding Meaning and Inspiration in Jewish Teachings."
5 Stars In fairness to Kant
I purchased vol. 2 of this series, and this first volume also looks worthwhile. However, I'd like to put in a word for Immanuel Kant. Kant wrote an entire book on religion emphasizing its ethical (moral) center. Statements made in the beginning of this book appear to be quite in agreement with that (for ex., the one concerning rituals at the bottom of p. 10). I believe Kant's book can be very helpful even to a Jew. It can clarify such phenomena as 'naval birshut ha-torah' and the 'New Authoritarian Conversion' even if some of his comments about Judaism appear to miss the mark.
4 Stars A slight flaw gives it a four
I first saw Rabbi Telushkin's book at Barnes & Noble and I read 15-20 pages and like it very much. The format and approach of the book is very useful. It includes a principle topic and illustrates it through real life application, its ramifications and then looks at the rabbis including midrash, etc., to round the topic out. But it is very modern yet while resting on the long tradition of Judaic viewpoint and practice.
This (and the other two volumes when they appear) is a good resource and well-written and a breeze to follow as other books Telushkin has written.
Notice the subtitle, You Shall Be Holy, that is, in imitation of God's holiness. Telushkin says this means that the main way to be like God–ethical and just–is by treating treating others the way we expect to be treated. Of course, both Hillel and then Yeshua bar-Yosef state this almost identically. This would appeal to both Jews and others. Then the rabbi goes on to expand into areas, many occurring daily, where the general principle can be realized in many of our experiences among others to live a more holy life.
I do have one problem with a stated and unstated view about ethics, justice, fairness, etc. I appears early in the book and can mislead people because it presents these in a very abstract way. They are subjective and dependent on religion and culture. But such terms as 'justice,' 'righteousness,' and 'holiness' in the Miqra' (Hebrew Scriptures) are not abstract but clearly defined by Torah (God's Commandments). You cannot be 'holy' without imitating the holiness described in Scripture, by doing Torah and the same goes for the rest. Meanwhile, in other religions situation ethics holds a more powerful and contrived place.
Many people want to see "universal" love and religious equality (like peace, love, dove back in the day) often through a minute-by-minute changing spiritual doctrine to suit the mood. But the Torah does not follow that approach. It is very specific and cares not if it is appreciated. We also need to be like God by being straightforward and honest about this.
5 Stars This is a transformative bok for me
It caught my eye as I was wandering the shelves of a loacl book store. I also happen to be going through a crisis with my father's health which I'm trying to make sense of but cannot.
I saw this book and was compelled to buy it and I'm so glad I did. I am not yet through but the ideas sets forth in this book do not require radical changes in lifestyle but they do require us to change our mindset. It's amazing how the ideas of greeting others enthusiastically can make a huge difference in your day as well as theirs. Being less selfish and more generous.
Even more important is that I have begun to recognize certain behaviors in myself, such as envy and hatred, and have begun to learn how to diffuse those emotions before they lead me to do something irrational.
For those looking for both a spiritual, physical, and mental reformation this book is an excellent guide and Telushkin is a light in the darkness of uncertainty.
5 Stars You Shall Be Holy
I am using Rabbi Telushkin's book at my Temple and find it is a treaure trove of learning and insight on the centrality of ethics in the Jewish tradition …Sincerely …Rabbi Hirshel Jaffe …Temple Beth David …Amenia NY
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