Future Tense
Jonathan Sacks
Schocken Books Inc
One of the most admired religious thinkers of our time issues a call for world Jewry to reject the self-fulfilling image of "a people alone in the world, surrounded by enemies" and to reclaimJudaism's original sense of purpose: as a partner with God and with those of other faiths in the never-ending struggle for freedom and social justice for all. We are in danger, saysRabbi Jonathan Sacks, of forgetting what Judaism's place is within the global project of humankind. During the last two thousand years, Jews have lived through persecutions that would have spelled the end of mostnations, but they did not see anti-Semitism written into the fabric of the universe. They knew they existed for a purpose, and it was not for themselves alone. Rabbi Sacks believes that the Jewish people have lost theirway, that they need to recommit themselves to the task of creating a just world in which the divine presence can dwell among us. Without compromising one iota of Jewish faith, RabbiSacks declares, Jews must stand alongside their friends--Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, and secular humanist--in defense of freedom against the enemies of freedom, in affirmation of lifeagainst those who desecrate life. And they should do this not to win friends or the admiration of others but because it is what a people of God is supposed to do. Rabbi Sacks'spowerful message of tikkun olam--using Judaism as a blueprint for repairing an imperfect world--will resonate with people of all faiths. "From the Hardcover edition."