The Journey of the Soul: Traditional Sources on Teshuvah

by Leonard S. Kravitz, Kerry M. Olitzky

Overview

The Journey of the Soul: Traditional Sources on Teshuvah is dedicated to the process of self-discovery through Teshuvah (commonly translated as repentance). Teshuvah is the method, described by Jewish tradition, through which one literally turns or returns (as the term suggests) to the correct path in life and to God.
According to the Sages, one of the reasons that God created the world was to produce good. By granting man the opportunity to repent-to better himself-God adopts man as His partner in the effort to create and perpetuate this good. This in turn brings man closer to redemption. Repentance also makes it possible for the sinner to try again. One's intention to change and one's attempt at change bring the individual back on the path to God.
In the works from which selections were made for this collection, individual authors suggest that their writing is designed to assist one's exploration of the inner life. In keeping with the tradition of this literature, which includes works from Abraham bar Chiyyah, Bachya ben Joseph ibn Pakuda, and Maimonides, among others, this collection is a culmination of the efforts of these individual authors and is dedicated to the same purpose.
Performing Teshuvah requires constant attention through study, prayer, and good acts. This book is a vehicle specifically designed to guide the reader toward his or her own personal return to God, which will, in turn, bring the Jewish nation closer to redemption.

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Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781568214245
Publisher:	Aronson, Jason Inc.
Publication date:	10/01/1995
Pages:	288
Product dimensions:	6.44(w) x 8.68(h) x 1.06(d)

About the Author

About the Editors

Leonard S. Kravitz is a professor of Midrash and Homiletics at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, New York, where he was ordained and received his Ph.D. He has been an army chaplain and a congregational rabbi. He is the author of The Hidden Doctrine of Maimonides' Guide for the Perplexed and was one of the editors of the JWB Prayer Book for Jewish Personnel in the Armed Forces of the United States. With Kerry M. Olitzky, he wrote Pirke Avot: A Modern Commentary on Jewish Ethics. Rabbi Kravitz is married and the father of two daughters.

Rabbi Kerry M. Olitzky, D.H.L., is director of the School of Education at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, New York, where he also directs its graduate studies program. He writes and lectures widely on topics related to innovative religious education and spiritual renewal. He is the author or editor of 25 books and over 100 articles. Rabbi Olitzky's recent works include The How To Handbook for Jewish Living, volume 2, and Sacred Moments: Tales from the Jewish Life Cycle, both co-authored with Rabbi Ronald H. Isaacs. As the leading contributor to the Jewish Twelve Step spirituality, Rabbi Olitzky is the coauthor of Twelve Jewish Steps to Recovery and author of One Hundred Blessings a Day, a book of daily meditations and affirmations based on the calendar and holiday cycle. He also prepared Sparks beneath the Surface: A Spiritual Commentary on the Torah with Rabbi Lawrence S. Kushner. Rabbi Olitzky and his wife, Sheryl, live in suburban New Jersey with their two children.

Table of Contents

Preface How to Use This Book 1 Menorat Hamoar (Lamp of Light) Isaac Aboav 2 Pesikta deRav Kahana (Discourses of Rabbi Kahana) Rav Kahana 3 Hegyon Hanefesh Ha'atzuvah (Meditations of the Sad Soul) Abraham bar Chiyyah 4 Chovot Halevavot (Duties of the Heart) Bachya ben Joseph ibn Pakuda 5 Shaarai Teshuvah (Gates of Repentance) Jonah ben Abraham Gerundi 6 Hilchot Teshuvah (Laws of Repentance) Moses Maimonides 7 Hilchot Deot (Laws of Disposition) Moses Maimonides Glossary Index