Radiance

Creative Mitzvah Living

Danny Siegel, Neal Gold

• Publisher: The Jewish Publication Society
• Year: 2020
• ISBN:
  9780827618404
• Topic: Theology & Religion
• Subtopic: Ethics & Religion

The Selected Prose and Poetry of Danny Siegel This first anthology of the most important writings by Danny Siegel, spanning and renewing fifty years of his insightsintersperses soulful Jewish texts with innovative Mitzvah ideas to rouse individuals and communities to transform our lives, communities, neighborhoods, and world. As a renowned teacher Siegel describes the creative—often startling—ways individuals from different walks of life have brought compassion into the world, recognizes them as Mitzvah heroes, and suggests how we can apply their life lessons. He also plumbs how giving enriches living and presents Jewishly informed best principles for doing more world repair (Tikkun Olam). As a scholar of rabbinic literature Siegel offers translations and commentaries on Jewish texts illuminating Tzedakah, values, caring, and leadership. In addition he tops off a half-century of his thought with five new essays reflecting on his visions for a better world. The selected poetry asks religious and theological questions in the face of oppression and war, gives voice to personal moments often neglected by ritual, and exults at the wonders of modern Israel and the revelation of love. Both inspirational and pragmatic, this anthology offers practical guidance on using Siegel's classic and novel works in personal living and in Jewish organizational settings. Ultimately, in exploring the dynamic interaction between heroes, texts, and ourselves, Siegel seeks to engage each of us in discovering our own radiant potential for creative Mitzvah living.

Table of contents

• Cover
• Title Page
• Copyright Page
• Dedication
• Contents
• Foreword
• Acknowledgments
• Introduction
• Part 1. Prose
• 1. Mitzvahs and How to Implement Them
• 2. Interpretations of Jewish Texts
• 3. Portraits of Mitzvah Heroes
• 4. Living a Life of Menschlichkeit
• 5. How and Why to Give Tzedakah Money Away
• 6. From Soulstoned (1969)
• 7. From And God Braided Eve’s Hair (1976)
• 8. From Between Dust and Dance (1978)
• 9. From Nine Entered Paradise Alive (1980)
• 10. From Unlocked Doors (1983)
• 11. From The Lord Is a Whisper at Midnight (1985)
• 12. From The Garden (1985)
• 13. From Before Our Very Eyes (1986)
• 14. From The Meadow Beyond the Meadow (1991)
• 15. From A Hearing Heart (1992)
• 16. From Healing: Readings and Meditations (1999)
• 17. From From the Heart (2012)
• Notes
• About Danny Siegel
• Other Works by Danny Siegel