Being Human (and Made in God's Image)

This is the expanded, second edition previously titled, Words of Torah.

"The Torah (the Five Books of Moses) is like a sacred body of water. It has depths of light and shadow. It makes its own natural sound and rhythm. In its currents, we can catch everything from the sublime "Love your neighbor as yourself" (Leviticus 19:18) to the historically and morally difficult "You shall not allow a sorceress to live" (Exodus 22:18). Some words flow from historical events, and others from primordial fantasies and yearnings.

"But water also has a surface which reflects back present light. When we gaze from above, we can see moving images of this current moment. If the angle is right, we might see a glimpse of ourselves, too. The Torah both swirls with the deep memories and dreams of our ancient ancestors and also shows us who we are today. It thus contains and mirrors the entire human condition. And it is ultimately, inexplicably, held up to us to look, cupped in the enormous hands of God."

This volume is a collection of sermons given by Rabbi Joseph B. Meszler. Rabbi Meszler is not only a teacher and congregational rabbi but also a human rights activist. He is passionate about fighting hunger, reducing gun violence, and educating people about Israel. His social justice work has led him to many interfaith partnerships. Rabbi Meszler has been a Brickner Fellow through the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, is a member of the Hevraya of the Institute for Jewish Spirituality, and served as a Global Justice Fellow with American Jewish World Service in 2017-18.

Rabbi Meszler is the author of several books, including: Gifts for the Poor: Moses Maimonides' Treatise on Tzedakah (College of William & Mary, 2003), Witnesses to the One: the Spiritual History of the Sh'ma, (Jewish Lights Publishing, 2006), A Man's Responsibility: a Jewish Guide to Being a Son, a Partner in Marriage, a Father, and a Community Leader (JLP, 2008), Facing Illness, Finding God: How Judaism Can Help You and Caregivers Cope When Body or Spirit Fails (JLP, 2010), and Jewish Tradition & Justice Today (CreateSpace, 2017).