Broken Tablets: Restoring the Ten Commandments and Ourselves, edited by Rabbi Rachel S. Mikva, is a collection of writings that attempt to explain why the Ten Commandments exert such a powerful hold on so many people--even those who do not consider themselves Jews or Christians. Introduced by Lawrence Kushner, this collection includes essays by 10 prominent rabbis about each individual commandment, as well as two shorter pieces that, in rabbinical fashion, interrogate and locate the others' arguments in Jewish tradition. What all of these essays have in common is the effect of personalizing the commandments for today's readers, by demonstrating the power of this short scriptural passage to touch every aspect of a person's life. Each essay makes provocative and surprising observations. Rabbi Nancy Fuchs-Kreimer, writing on the third commandment, asks, "By too easily claiming and naming God, by encouraging others to do the same, did I take the name of the Lord in vain?" Writing on the second commandment, Rabbi Zalman M. Schachter-Shalomi observes, "Real idolatry today is the worship of money, technology, addictions, absolute political systems--even of 'Judaism' and of the personal ego." This is a book that will help readers become more aware of God's claim on their lives, more honest with themselves, and more attuned to the ways that Scripture has shaped the way believers live together and in the wider world. --Michael Joseph Gross


From Publishers Weekly
This noteworthy, in-depth exploration of the Ten Commandments pays tribute to Rabbi Arnold Jacob Wolf, who influenced many of the book's contributors and who offers a moving expression of gratitude as a conclusion. Editor Mikva, now rabbi of the Community Synagogue in Rye, N.Y., served for four years as Wolf's assistant rabbi in the Chicago synagogue where Wolf officiated for almost two decades. The book examines each Commandment, following the same format. First, the biblical text is presented in Hebrew and English, then Mikva offers "First Words," an introductory statement. This is followed by a scholarly analysis, which, in nine instances, is written by a rabbi; the lone exception is a contribution from Leonard Fein, a writer, teacher and editor, who brilliantly discusses the Fifth Commandment, about honoring one's parents. The other essays match the high standard of his inquiry. In each case, the author goes beyond the literal words, offering parables, Talmudic passages and explanations that stretch the meaning of the Commandment. For example, Levi Weiman-Kelman's consideration of "You shall not murder" extends to questions of suicide, euthanasia and the possibly fatal impact of hateful words. Similarly, Richard Levy expands the scope of "You Shall Not Steal" to include the theft of ideas, reputations and time. The precepts of ethical behavior set forth in the Ten Commandments are wisely and lucidly explicated in this important volume. Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From Library Journal
Could there be new insights into the Ten Commandments? This slim and beautifully designed volume proves page after page that the timeless content of the commandments will always provide interpretations that allow us to understand our relationships--to one another and to God--in unexpected ways. An introduction by Rabbi Lawrence Kushner (well known for popularizing Jewish spirituality) discusses each of the commandments and the ways in which they interconnect. Mikva's (rabbi, Community Synagogue, Rye, NY) interpretation of each commandment is followed by a longer discussion by prominent Jewish thinkers (Eugene Borowitz, Lawrence Hoffman, Zalman Schachter-Shalomi, and Laura Geller). One of the most attractive characteristics of this book is the variety of approaches and writing styles employed to give new meaning to the commandments and Jewish spirituality. Jewish and non-Jewish readers alike will gain fresh ideas from the essays. Recommended for larger religion collections in public and college libraries.-Olga B. Wise, Compaq Computers, Austin, TX Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Even people who claim not to be "religious" will generally maintain that they do observe the Ten Commandments. We simply assume that these utterances shape the moral basis of our society and all good people can subscribe to them. But the "Ten Words" teach us a multitude of things, some of which we have not even yet imagined, few of which we have mastered. Why is it that these ten simple (or are they?) statements continue to have such a special hold on us?

Broken Tablets helps us to understand the Ten Commandments and to see them as the very personal words that they are. Here, twelve outstanding spiritual leaders from across the spectrum of Jewish thought bring us to the life and soul of the Ten Commandments' unusual power. Inviting, accessible, and full of insights that may surprise you, Broken Tablets restores the Ten Commandments to wholeness. In the process, it restores us to a better understanding of what we do and don't do--and what this means to our spiritual lives.

SYNOPSIS

Let the Ten Commandments command your imagination. . .
Even people who claim not to be "religious" will generally maintain that they do observe the Ten Commandments. Why is it that these ten statements, thousands of years old, continue to have such a special hold on us?

Broken Tablets helps us to understand the Ten Commandments and to see them as the very personal words that they are. Here, twelve outstanding spiritual leaders from across the spectrum of Jewish thought bring us to the life and soul of the Ten Commandments' unusual power.

Inviting, accessible, and full of insights that may surprise you, Broken Tablets restores the Ten Commandments to wholeness. In the process, it restores us to a better understanding of what we do and don't do-and what this means to our spiritual lives.

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly

This noteworthy, in-depth exploration of the Ten Commandments pays tribute to Rabbi Arnold Jacob Wolf, who influenced many of the book's contributors and who offers a moving expression of gratitude as a conclusion. Editor Mikva, now rabbi of the Community Synagogue in Rye, N.Y., served for four years as Wolf's assistant rabbi in the Chicago synagogue where Wolf officiated for almost two decades. The book examines each Commandment, following the same format. First, the biblical text is presented in Hebrew and English, then Mikva offers "First Words," an introductory statement. This is followed by a scholarly analysis, which, in nine instances, is written by a rabbi; the lone exception is a contribution from Leonard Fein, a writer, teacher and editor, who brilliantly discusses the Fifth Commandment, about honoring one's parents. The other essays match the high standard of his inquiry. In each case, the author goes beyond the literal words, offering parables, Talmudic passages and explanations that stretch the meaning of the Commandment. For example, Levi Weiman-Kelman's consideration of "You shall not murder" extends to questions of suicide, euthanasia and the possibly fatal impact of hateful words. Similarly, Richard Levy expands the scope of "You Shall Not Steal" to include the theft of ideas, reputations and time. The precepts of ethical behavior set forth in the Ten Commandments are wisely and lucidly explicated in this important volume. (Dec.) Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information.

Library Journal