A Living Covenant by David Hartman

A Living Covenant presents a fresh perspective on Jewish teaching, positioning mitzvah (divine commandment) as the core principle in the relationship between Jews and God. This interpretation encourages an active, responsible engagement with Jewish history, countering the notion of passive resignation. Hartman argues that Jewish tradition, when viewed through the lens of a covenant, can foster individual freedom and moral agency within a communal context. /n/n This book challenges the traditional view of Judaism as a system of uncritical obedience to law, instead proposing a relational framework informed by marital love. Hartman demonstrates how this perspective allows for a vibrant, modern Jewish life that embraces passion, tolerance, and spontaneity within a pluralistic world.

Reviews

Shalom Hartman Institute · Anonymous · 2013-05-13

refreshing 4.50

The book is praised for showing that a life lived in Jewish tradition can be active and engaged in the modern world. It is seen as a valuable resource for those seeking to understand the relationship between divine demand and human response.

This review highlights the book's ability to demonstrate that a life lived in Jewish tradition does not have to be passive or insulated. Instead, it can be active and engaged in the modern, pluralistic world. The reviewer appreciates the book's practical insights and its optimistic tone, making it a valuable read for those seeking a deeper understanding of divine commandments and individual freedom. They find the book's approach to Jewish tradition refreshing and its practical insights particularly appealing.

Quick quotes

Hartman shows that a life lived in Jewish tradition need not be passive, insulated, or self-effacing, but can be lived in the modern pluralistic world with.

This interpretation of Jewish teaching will appeal to all people seeking to understand the relationship between the idea of divine demand and the human response.

A Living Covenant is an optimistic search for a practical way of looking at things which will account for the phenomena we experience.

JSTOR · BF Heitler · 1989-01-01

insightful 3.50

The book is described as an optimistic search for a practical way of looking at things, accounting for the phenomena we experience. It is seen as a valuable contribution to understanding Jewish tradition.

BF Heitler provides a thoughtful review of 'A Living Covenant,' emphasizing its optimistic approach to exploring Jewish tradition. They appreciate the book's practical insights and its ability to account for the phenomena we experience in our modern lives. Heitler highlights how the book offers a fresh perspective on the relationship between divine commandments and individual freedom, making it a worthwhile read for those interested in Jewish thought. The reviewer finds the book's optimistic tone and practical insights particularly appealing, making it a valuable read for those seeking a deeper understanding of divine commandments and individual freedom.

Quick quotes

A Living Covenant is an optimistic search for a practical way of looking at things which will account for the phenomena we experience.

This interpretation of Jewish teaching will appeal to all people seeking to understand the relationship between the idea of divine demand and the human response.

Hartman shows that a life lived in Jewish tradition need not be passive, insulated, or self-effacing, but can be lived in the modern pluralistic world with.

Goodreads · Anonymous · 1985-01-01

optimistic 4.20

The book presents a dynamic view of a covenantal relationship with God, emphasizing its evolving nature while maintaining a shared historical understanding. It is praised for its innovative interpretation of Jewish tradition.

This book offers a refreshing perspective on the covenantal relationship between God and individuals. The reviewer appreciates the idea of a relationship that evolves over time, yet remains rooted in a shared history. They highlight how the book challenges traditional views and encourages a more active and engaged approach to Jewish tradition. The reviewer finds the book's optimistic tone and practical insights particularly appealing, making it a valuable read for those seeking a deeper understanding of divine commandments and individual freedom.

Quick quotes

I really like the idea of a covenantal relationship with God - something that changes and evolves, but is still based in a shared understanding of history.

This interpretation of Jewish teaching will appeal to all people seeking to understand the relationship between the idea of divine demand and the human response.

Hartman shows that a life lived in Jewish tradition need not be passive, insulated, or self-effacing, but can be lived in the modern pluralistic world with.

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