Unlock the powerful truths that shattered ancient beliefs and paved the way for the new and revolutionary religion that became Judaism.
This is a unique look at the Torah—the foundation of Jewish existence—and the revolutionary teachings of Moses embedded within it that gave birth to Judaism and influenced the world.
Dr. Reuven Hammer presents fourteen radical ideas found in Torah, explains their original intentions, and shows how understanding these ‘truths’ can help you better understand the narrative and laws of Judaism. He shows how when taken together, these value concepts present a picture of human life that is surprisingly modern and relevant to our goals for repairing the world today:
• Humanity is one as God is one
• Human beings are responsible for their actions and have the choice to do good or evil
• Poverty, deprivation, slavery and hatred are evils that must be eradicated
• The earth is not ours to destroy
• The love of others is a divine command
• And much more …
Table of Content
Preface ix
Introduction: Torat Moshe—The Teaching of Moses 1
Part I: Divinity
1. God Is Unique 11
2. No Divine Power of Evil Exists 23
3. Morality Is God’s Supreme Demand 34
4. Worship Is for the Benefit of Humans 46
Part II: Humanity
5. Human Life Is Sacred 61
6. All Human Beings Are Equal 72
7. Men and Women Are Equal 84
8. Human Beings Have Free Will 99
Part III: Society
9. Human Sovereignty Is Limited 113
10. The Priesthood Is Divorced from Magic 123
11. Land and Wealth Are to Be Distributed Equally 134
12. Slavery Must Be Mitigated 148
13. The Needy Must Be Cared For 160
14. A Day of Rest for All 176
Afterword: The Legacy of Moses 187
Notes 192
Bibliography 210
Index 214