Elliot J. Cosgrove

This collection of essays focuses on the more liberal views within Judaism. The editor states in the introduction that invitations to contribute to the anthology were sent in equal measure to Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform rabbis, but that very few Orthodox responded. (Perhaps few Orthodox responded because for the deeply Orthodox, Jewish theology is for ANY time and for ALL time, and not for OUR time.) The essays have widely varying views of God and Judaism. On one side is the rabbi who says that although we must interpret halakah and it must be changed at times, we must change it with fear and trembling. On the other side is the rabbi who says he believes in God, but that doesn't mean he believes in the existence of God... he believes in God the way he believes in feminism or democracy. There is little mention of either fundamentalism or atheism. While these two viewpoints do battle across one river, the true theologian, the true seeker, regardless of whether they be Jewish, Christian, Muslim, or Buddhist, is sailing down a different river altogether. There were three or four essays that I found intensely thought provoking, and most were intriguing. There were a couple that were simply too academic for my taste, and likewise a couple that were more concerned with Kabbalah and mysticism than I. Regardless of your viewpoint, if this title catches your eye at all, you will find some essays that you find a true kinship with, and others that will provoke you somewhat.… (más)