Open Judaism: A Guide for Believers, Atheists, and Agnostics

Open Judaism offers a big-tent welcome to all Jews and Judaism. It is at once an invitation to the spiritually seeking Jew, a clarion call for a deeply pluralistic and inclusive Judaism, and a dynamic exploration of the remarkable array of thought within Judaism today. In honest, engaging language Barry L. Schwartz, a practicing rabbi and writer, presents traditional, secular-humanistic, and liberal Jewish views on nine major topics-God, soul, Torah, halakhah, Jewish identity, inclusion, Israel, ethics, and prayer. Teachings from many of Judaism’s greatest thinkers organically reveal and embellish foundational ideas of Orthodox, Reform, Conservative, Reconstructionist, Renewal, and Humanistic Judaism. The conclusion sets forth core statements of belief in Judaism for believers, atheists, and agnostics, thereby summarizing the full spectrum of thought and enabling readers to make and act on their own choices.

Table of Contents:
Preface: Defining Open Judaism Acknowledgments Introduction: Athens and Jerusalem 1. About God God for Believers God for Atheists God for Agnostics 2. About the Soul Soul for Believers Soul for Atheists Soul for Agnostics 3. About the Torah Torah for Believers Torah for Atheists Torah for Agnostics 4. About Halakhah Halakhah for Believers Halakhah for Atheists Halakhah for Agnostics 5. About Jewish Identity Jewish Identity for Believers Jewish Identity for Atheists Jewish Identity for Agnostics 6. About Inclusion Inclusion for Believers Inclusion for Atheists Inclusion for Agnostics 7. About Israel Israel for Believers Israel for Atheists Israel for Agnostics 8. About Ethics Ethics for Believers Ethics for Atheists Ethics for Agnostics 9. About Prayer Prayer for Believers Prayer for Atheists Prayer for Agnostics Conclusion: Choosing Your Judaism The Open Judaism Project: Finding Your Place in the Jewniverse Notes Bibliography Index Further Reading    

About the Author :
Rabbi Barry L. Schwartz is the director and editor in chief emeritus of The Jewish Publication Society and the spiritual leader of Congregation Adas Emuno in Leonia, New Jersey. He is the author of books for adults, teens, and children, including Path of the Prophets: The Ethics-Driven Life (JPS, 2018) and Judaism’s Great Debates: Timeless Controversies from Abraham to Herzl (JPS, 2012).

Review :
“Rabbi Schwartz’s ambitious book succeeds in pointing out how divergent opinions, dissent, and debate have shaped Jewish thought. Furthermore, Rabbi Schwartz demonstrates the vast pluralism within Jewish tradition and argues persuasively that such pluralism strengthens Judaism rather than weakens it. This ethical, humanist, and inclusive book is highly recommended for those seeking to understand different, and yet authentic, approaches to Judaism.”-Association of Jewish Libraries Reviews   “Rabbi Barry Schwartz guides the reader with wisdom, presence, and humor through the terrain of Jewish theology with confidence and without judgment. Whether you’re a believer, an agnostic or an atheist, Schwartz will help you articulate what you’ve long held true-and maybe even change your mind here and there. Open Judaism is an absolute gem.”-Alan Levenson, Schusterman/Josey Chair in Judaic History, University of Oklahoma “Open Judaism offers the Jewish people an opportunity and a challenge: the opportunity to find one’s voice within the Jewish tradition and the challenge to do so. Instead of trying to control and determine the essence of Judaism, Rabbi Barry Schwartz honestly charts the wide spectrum and possibilities to believe, think, belong, and live Jewishly. Through Open Judaism, being Jewish is transformed into an empowered journey of self-discovery. For twenty-first-century Jews there can be no better answer to ‘Why be Jewish?’ Required reading.”-Rabbi Donniel Hartman, president, Shalom Hartman Institute   “Rabbi Barry Schwartz possesses the rare ability to synthesize vast amounts of traditional and modern materials in an easily approachable manner. His inclusive approach is a thoughtful and comprehensive portrait of Judaism and its beliefs that speaks to a broad and diverse audience Those learned in Jewish faith and those who are novices will profit from this valuable work, as will all who are interested in the wisdom Judaism can offer in a complex and all too-often baffling world.”-Rabbi David Ellenson, chancellor emeritus, Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion “This book should be read by everyone tasked with leading the Jewish community! Rabbi Barry Schwartz engages seekers of all kinds to think more deeply about their relationship to Judaism.”-Rabbi Kari H. Tuling, author of Thinking about God: Jewish Views “This book has a remarkably important mission: to help Jews with no abiding interest in religion or study to become more engaged. It is genuinely pluralistic, and its unique topology of the nine most important dimensions of Judaism, categorized along the continuum of believer to atheist, ably demonstrates that respected Jewish authorities share the nuanced, provocative ideas even of those Jews who feel theologically alienated from Judaism. Many well-educated Jews have spent their lives becoming Athenians; when they explore, they visit the capitals of Europe. They need a reason to spend some time in Jerusalem-and this book is that reason.”-Rabbi Edmond H. Weiss, coauthor of Making Arguments: Reason in Context “Open Judaism is a wonderful gift. It is partisan for bringing the questing and questioning Jew into Judaism, essentially saying to Jews with less-than-certain theologies, or those who reject fundamentalist ideology: There is a place for you in Jewish life and practice. You can still find your home in Judaism. What is more, Open Judaism will be a great gift to the discourse within the Jewish community.”-Rabbi Neal Gold, Jewish chaplain and Hillel director, Babson College, and founder of A Tree with Roots