These, and others, are deceptively simple words that we use all the time. Do we know what we mean when we use these important words? Do we know what other people mean when they use them? We seldom pause to reflect on these words or to make sure that we understand them, yet we continue to use them, so we misunderstand others and they misunderstand us.
Adin Steinsaltz examines some of the meanings of these powerful words. He transforms each word into a gem, turning it this way, then that, examining it to see more clearly its brilliant facets and what lies beyond them. He challenges us to think deeply about the connotations of these commonplace words, and in so doing, to see that there may be other ways of looking at things that we have taken for granted in our lives. Simple Words is a thought-provoking -- and surprising -- adventure that may change the way we think, speak, and act.
"Simple words are by no means simple," states Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz in his introduction to Simple Words. This is certainly true of the words he has teased out from contemporary spirituality to expound upon here. Each chapter is dedicated to so-called simple words such as death, envy, masks, sex, good, and love. Steinsaltz uses familiar language and progressive thinking to offer a greater moral and spiritual understanding to these core concepts.
Although many of the selected words are age-old, the accompanying commentary feels fresh and contemporary. When writing about envy, Steinsaltz explores how this misunderstood emotion can be used to serve the higher good rather than lowly desires. And in addressing the idea of sex, he writes, "Jewish tradition ... does not see sex per se as sinful.... It is a pleasure that is derived from giving and being connected with another--both in the body and beyond the physical plane; it can become a most meaningful expression of love, of charity, of benevolence. Sexual desire, possibly the most powerful human desire, can become an expression of holiness." --Gail Hudson
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
A simple book about simple words:
I had expected more from this book. Several of the words seem to be redefined in order to fit the author's preconceived notions. An easy read and some good things to think about. Overall, not too deep, though
Simple words with deep meaning:
Rabbi Steinsaltz one of the great Torah teachers of our generations here takes fifteen different ' simple words' , words such as nature, friendship, faith and God , and provides insight into their meaning. In doing so he presents his own deeply religious way of seeing the world. This work can be of help and inspiration to all those who are seeking to understand the world in a more meaningful and hopeful way.
Simple things mean a lot...:
Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz, perhaps best known for his multi-volume translation of and commentary upon the Talmud (currently being published in both Hebrew and English, as well as a few other languages), has put together a wonderfully simple, small, thought-provoking book of spiritual wisdom that promises the careful reader insight into new ways to think, feel, act, and be.
Steinsaltz has worked with Talmudic literature (to a very extensive and intimate degree), as well as Hasidic tales and liturgies, and... more info
Extraordinary work:
This is a book by a wise man, mystic, scholar. Accessible ruminations about nature, God, love, even masks. I wouldn't have picked it up, because the title seemed so bland, but I saw his name on the cover and knew it wouldn't be bland or simplistic at all, and it wasn't. He looks at life's dilemmas and makes some practical and non-tendentious comments about how to look at life. No preaching here.
