Open Minded Torah: Of Irony, Fundamentalism and Love
Author(s): William Kolbrener (Author)
Publisher: Continuum
Publication Date: 6 Feb. 2011
Language: English
Print length: 200 pages
ISBN-10: 1441118667
ISBN-13: 9781441118660
Book Description
In essays as likely to turn to baseball, Denzel Washington, and the NASDAQ as to Macbeth, quantum physics and psychoanalysis, William Kolbrener provides powerful – and often surprising – insights into how open mindedness allows for authentic Jewish commitment in an age otherwise defined by fundamentalism and unbelief. Open Minded Torah presents – on topics ranging from parenting a son with Down syndrome to Biblical criticism to Talmudic interpretation of dreams – a perspective on Torah which emphasizes scepticism, creativity and the need to embrace difference. Through a personal synthesis of Western and Jewish learning, popular culture and philosophy, Kolbrener offers a compelling new vision where being open minded allows for a non-dogmatic and committed Jewish life. Informed by Kolbrener’s considerable erudition, but always accessible, the essays show that scepticism informs belief, commitment grounds creativity, and non-defensive receptiveness makes individual autonomy possible. For every person, it is said, there is a corresponding letter in the Torah: this innovative collection shows Kolbrener writing his letter, and providing the inspiration for others to write their own.
Editorial Reviews
Review
When a great and capacious mind, blessed with sensibility and sensitivity, engages in conversation with the timeless texts of Torah, the result is both enlightening and enthralling. That is what William Kolbrener’s new book represents, and all whose Judaism is reflective and thoughtful will be enlarged by it. –Chief Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks
From the Back Cover
Open Minded Torah elicits unheard voices from the Jewish past for a twenty-first century Judaism at a time when fundamentalists and fanatics often dominate conversations about religion. Kolbrener’s brilliant and unorthodox essays are a must-read for anyone who wants to pursue a life of faith, based on commitment yet sensitive to the complexities and demands of the modern world. In essays as likely to turn to baseball, the NASDAQ and Denzel Washington as to Shakespeare, quantum physics and psychoanalysis, Kolbrener provides powerful and often surprising insights into how open mindedness allows for authentic Jewish engagement in an age otherwise defined by fundamentalism or unbelief. Open Minded Torah presents on topics ranging from parenting a son with Down syndrome to Biblical criticism to Talmudic interpretation of dreams a perspective on Judaism which emphasizes skepticism, pluralism and the need to embrace difference. Through a personal synthesis of Western and Jewish learning, popular culture and philosophy, Kolbrener offers a compelling new vision where being open minded allows for a non-dogmatic and committed Judaism. Informed by Kolbrener s considerable erudition, but always accessible, the essays of Open Minded Torah are critical for those wanting to pursue a non-coercive, tolerant and creative Jewish life. For every person, it is said, there is a corresponding letter in the Torah: this innovative collection shows Kolbrener writing his letter, and providing the inspiration for others to write their own.
About the Author
William Kolbrener is Associate Professor of Literature and Philosophy at Bar Ilan University, Israel. He has written for Commentary, Tradition, Azure, the Jewish Journal, and Jewish Action. He also has a blog http://www.openmindedtorah.blogspot.com/.
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