Magnolia Tree and a Book Review – To Heal a Fractured World

The photograph above was taken while walking on a street lined with magnolia trees.

~~
If you are looking for a book that intensely delves into the ethical aspects of responsibility, then, To Heal a Fractured World: The Ethics of Responsibility, by Rabbi Jonathan Sacks is definitely the book for you. Rabbi Sir Jonathan Sacks is a well-respected within the Jewish community, the religious community as a whole, and the philosophy and theological world. His insightful books leave one to ponder many issues.

To Heal a Fractured World: The Ethics of Responsibility is an intense book, that guides the reader on a journey towards the fundamental and spiritual aspects of responsibility. It teaches us how we can live in today’s world within the ethical extracts and properties he sets out for us. He guides us along the road towards fulfilling and understanding our part in the scheme of obligation, as individuals, not just as a person who is part of a community. He teaches us about the burdens of responsibility, yet strongly implies that it is our duty to be individuals of substance, moral and ethical courage and demeanor.

Rabbi Sir Sacks, with compelling prose, educates us to be aware that our attitude towards others, dynamics and interactions aren’t complete without the borders and boundaries of responsibility reflected both internally and externally. The Jewish community has a pact or covenant with G-d, and part of the structure of that pact includes “repairing the world”, or making life a bit easier for other individuals. From social action and justice, to the goodness we can extend to humanity, we have an obligation to bring positiveness and goodness into the world. With this train of thought, not only do we help others, but we help ourselves. We feel good about ourselves. We bring dimension and meaning into our own lives.

To Heal a Fractured World: The Ethics of Responsibility, by Rabbi Sir Jonathan Sacks, is a compelling book, and one that belongs in every household, Jewish or otherwise. Through stories, Torah, Talmud, and Rabbi Sir Jonathan Sacks’ teachings, we can overcome much of the negative dynamics in our lives through the positive actions we take. The message is strong, filled with clarity, and one that is illuminating. Without an ethical foundation, humanity’s cry goes unheard. We hold an ethical and moral responsibility for each other, for all of mankind. We are one minute force in the global whole. Yet our minute presence can bring light into a life.

~~~~~~

August 27, 2012 – 9 Elul, 5772

Copyright 2007, L.M. No permission is given to reproduce, copy or use my writings or photographs in any manner.

5 Comments

Filed under Book Reviews, Judaism, Non-Fiction, Photography

5 responses to “Magnolia Tree and a Book Review – To Heal a Fractured World

  1. It’s nice to read that you find R. Jonathan Sacks’ book compelling. I’ve read some of his short divrei Torah online – he does speak well.

  2. This really sounds compelling and why I was reading it I kept thinking of my husband and how strongly he believes in giving back and how his father did before him..made me think of how I can do more than I am…Michelle

  3. I meant “while”..not why I was reading

Leave a reply to Jewaicious Cancel reply