Books
Are our bodies are sacred? How are we allowed to treat them?
Jewish Choices, Jewish Voices, Vol. 1: Body
This volume presents essays by Olympic gold-medalist Lenny Krayzelburg, and scholars such as Rebecca Alpert on topics related to how we care for and perceive our bodies: weight, nutrition, tattoos, high-risk behavior. Some contributors, including Abraham Twerski examine traditional views of the body and body-centered rituals, and discuss issues related to the body from a physician’s perspective.
Is money the root of evil or a source for good?
Jewish Choices, Jewish Voices, Vol. 2: Money
How we spend our money as individuals, communities, and nations reflects our values. Employment, wages, debt, government funding, philanthropy, and personal spending are some of the central issues discussed here. Rabbis Jill Jacobs and David Teutsch contribute essays, as do activist Alana Suskin, and government official Michael Masch, among many others.
Does power corrupt?
Jewish Choices, Jewish Voices, Vol. 3: Power
This volume explores the use of power in business, communal organizations, unions, schools, and government through case studies and contributions by politcal figures such as Henry Waxman and Elizabeth Holtzman, and rabbis and educators like Gail Labovitz and Aaron Alexander. Power dynamics in Judaism are also analyzed, as authors look to volunteering, leadership, and tradition for guidance in confronting difficult moral issues related to power and how it should—and should not—be wielded.
Is what feels good a good thing to do?
Jewish Choices, Jewish Voices, Vol. 4: Sex and Intimacy
How do we—or should we— navigate sensitive issues of monogamy, sexual honesty and communication in dating and marriage; testing for and disclosure of STDs; abortion; sex education; sex work (e.g. prostitution, pornography); and gender issues. Scholars, doctors, bloggers, rabbis, and adult movie actors—including Ron Jeremy, Martha Ackelsberg, and Esther Kustanowitz—share their experiences with and opinions on these issues.
Forthcoming:
Is war the answer to current threats?
Jewish Choices, Jewish Voices, Vol. 5: War and National Security
What constitutes a just war? How can war be ethically fought? How do we respond to national security threats? How do new military technologies change the answers to these questions? Do we spend too much on the military? By covering issues like surveillance, preemptive strikes, torture, nuclear proliferation, and the military-industrial complex, contributors such as Noam Chomsky, Sharon Brous, and Michael Walzer give us their thoughts on dealing with these thorny issues.
How can we repair the world?
Jewish Choices, Jewish Voices, Vol. 6: Social Justice
In today’s world, we are faced with universal challenges—poverty, inadequate health care, discrimination, the environment, unfair sentencing laws, and the death penalty are only some of them. Yet, there are also various ways we can address these issues—through voting, volunteering, or charity. Contributors to this volume, including Jill Jacobs, Arthur Waskow, and Laurie Levenson confront these pressing problems and discuss their potential solutions.