How can a Jewish approach to social justice offer positive change for America?"Ancient texts offer significant wisdom about human nature, economic cycles, the causes of inequality, and our obligations to each other. These insights can inform our own approaches to current issues, challenge our assumptions, and force us to consider alternative approaches. The conversation between our texts and our lives can enrich our experience of both."from the IntroductionConfront the most pressing issues of twenty-first-century America in this fascinating book, which brings together classical Jewish sources, contemporary policy debate and real-life stories.Rabbi Jill Jacobs, a leading young voice in the social justice arena, makes a powerful argument for participation in the American public square from a deeply Jewish perspective, while deepening our understanding of the relationship between Judaism and such current social issues as:Poverty and the PoorCollection and Allocation of TzedakahWorkers, Employers and UnionsHousing the HomelessThe Provision of Health CareEnvironmental SustainabilityCrime, Punishment and RehabilitationBy creating a dialogue between traditional texts and current realities, Jacobs presents a template for engagement in public life from a Jewish perspective and challenges us to renew our obligations to each other.

Acknowledgments ixForeword by Rabbi Elliot N. Dorff, PhD xiPreface by Simon Greer xvii