Customer Reviews

Renewing the Covenant: A Theology for the Postmodern Jew

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Borowitz begins with the assumption that "...a very large part of modernized Jewry - including many nominally Orthodox - is made up of Jews who know that their Judaism must allow greater personal freedom than the one they inherited ...."

The answer, for Borowitz, will emerge from examining 1) mediation between Judaism and contemporary culture, 2) dialogue with Jewish traditions, and 3) the testing of what emerges in the form of Jewish action in the cultures within which Jews find themselves. This book focuses primarily on the first, Judaism's response to secular culture.

Borowitz is articulate and cogent in his defense of self-actualization, the "autonomous Jewish self," as the key to personal integrity. And, in his examination of Conservative Judaism's premise that "rabbinic councils" may determine what is acceptable conduct for their members, his scrutiny is precise and challenging. "Why should thinking Jews consider giving up their self-determination to follow the rulings of decisors who have Jewish learning but otherwise no greater access to God's present will than the rest of us possess?"

This work is a superb representation of the though processes of an intelligent and deeply committed Jew who finds a sold base in "Liberal Judaism."

I enjoyed reading Rabbi Borowitz's book. It helped me rediscover my own faith and spiritual path.

The book arrived promptly and in first rate condition. I have examined but not yet read much of the book, but I know it will be valuable for my purposes.