Down-To-Earth Judaism: Food, Money, Sex, and the Rest of Life

In this title, Waskow explores important basic issues through a variety of lenses, and his insights are wide-ranging. Judaism has changed significantly, he points out, over the ages; Biblical Judaism differed from Rabbinic Judaism, and it's possible that we're approaching a new turn of the spiral, a "post-Rabbinic" age in which Judaism may grow into new forms. Those forms, whatever they may be, will be shaped by how Jews of today and tomorrow address food (eating, kashrut, and also other kinds of "consumption"), money (cash, class, tzedakah/righteous giving), sex (the whole matrix of sexual and erotic relationships, between and among the genders), and rest (work, play, and Shabbat) .Waskow's trademark warmth, scholarship, and wry humor are apparent throughout "Down-to-Earth Judaism." I recommend this book highly.

Rabbi Waskow provides historical insite and warmth to a newer vision of Judaism. His door is open as is his heart to include everyone, including zealots who often disagree with Waskow's 21st century vision of revived Jewish study and 16th century rabbinic interpretations of Torah. He breathes new life into ancient traditions and ritual. Not a favorite with Rightwing Jews or Christians.....

"Down to Earth Judaism" is a deeply insightful, profoundly thought-provoking survey of Jewish thinking regarding mundane activities: eating, lovemaking, earning and spending money, and periodic rest. He capably reviews classical Jewish attitudes and practices surrounding each of these areas, and then presents visions of how these practices can be renewed and transformed in our day and age, to foster a more meaningful life. This book isn't just for Jews, but for anyone interested in finding meaning in the seemingly profane activites of day to day life.