Rabbi Edward Feinstein is senior rabbi of Valley Beth Shalom in Encino, California. He is an instructor in the Ziegler Rabbinical School of American Jewish University and the Wexner Heritage Program. He is the author of Tough Questions Jews Ask: A Young Adult's Guide to Building a Jewish Life (Jewish Lights) and Capturing the Moon; and the editor of Jews and Judaism in the 21st Century: Human Responsibilities, the Presence of God, and the Future of the Covenant (Jewish Lights). He contributed to May God Remember: Memory and Memorializing in Judaism--Yizkor; Who by Fire, Who by Water--Un'taneh Tokef and We Have Sinned: Sin and Confession in Judaism--Ashamnu and Al Chet (all Jewish Lights).
Paula E. Hyman is the Lucy G. Moses Professor of Modern Jewish History at Yale University.
"Reminds us that Jewish debate across denominational lines can be compelling, respectful, and worthwhile; Jewish theology, so often neglected, is both fascinating and important to our Jewish lives; and serious Jewish learning always leads to activism and engagement with the world. Buy this book; it will, in these difficult days, restore your faith in the Jewish future."
-Rabbi Eric H. Yoffie, president, Union for Reform Judaism
"A treasure house.... The five most illustrious Jewish thinkers of our day discuss the eleven most pressing issues now facing the Jewish community. Sit back, read, learn and enjoy."
-Rabbi Neil Gillman, Aaron Rabinowitz and Simon H. Rifkind Professor of Jewish Philosophy, The Jewish Theological Seminary of America; author, Traces of God: Seeing God in Torah, History and Everyday Life
"Stimulating and challenging. It will make you realize how far we have come and how far we yet have to go. Anyone who takes Jewish life seriously will be intrigued by this book."
-Prof. Deborah E. Lipstadt, PhD, director, Tam Institute for Jewish Studies, Emory University
"Powerful ... speaks personally and passionately about why being Jewish matters today. Poignant, private experiences as well as brilliant, insightful understandings of historical texts and events illuminate Judaism's capacity to empower our lives with meaning, direction-and hope."
-Sylvia Barack Fishman, professor of contemporary Jewish life, Brandeis University; author of The Way Into the Varieties of Jewishness
"Thoroughly captivating.... Confronts the most sobering and depressing realities of our time and recent history; yet their thoughts leave us with hope and inspiration for the Jewish future."
-Prof. Steven M. Cohen, research professor of Jewish social policy, Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion