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TM Jewish Book Council
Praise for Rabbi Yanklowitz
“I commend Rabbi Yanklowitz on his advocacy and education work to save lives.”
- The Honorable Madeleine Albright, United States Secretary of State (1997-2001)
“I’m inspired by Rabbi Yanklowitz’s selfless act of donating a kidney to a total stranger. It tells us a lot about the moral character of a life dedicated to Jewish ethics and values.”
- Natan Sharansky
“I respect Rabbi Shmuly’s kidney donation so much and applaud his tireless advocacy.”
- Senator Elizabeth Warren
“Rabbi Yanklowitz’s writings about organ donation and Jewish philosophy made me step back and consider the universal impact of human actions. With a single act, a person can indeed change the world.”
- Michael Douglas
“Consistent with morals and Jewish law, organ donation is a big mitzvah. It’s a way to continue life even as your soul leaves the Earth. I support Rabbi Yanklowitz’s teaching and writing on this topic. Thank you for donating your kidney.”
- Senator Joseph Lieberman
"The notion of separating oneself from a body part is difficult to understand, and even more so when the recipient is a stranger. I was moved by Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowitz’s selfless act of donating a kidney and found his reasoning to do so fascinating. This book is a wonderful collection of spiritual and personal writings about the transformational power of giving back to others who are in their most vulnerable hours. A powerful read."
- Rabbi Dr. Daniel Sperber
"A lively, wide-ranging commentary including the perspectives of rabbis and commentators over the centuries, historical and political figures, and contemporary feminist voices."
- Rabbi Rachel Adler, PhD, David Ellenson Professor of Modern Jewish Thought, Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion
"Rav Shmuly is a leading voice calling upon the Jewish community to pursue justice. His commentary on Pirkei Avot grounds this sacred work in the centuries old teachings of our rabbis, and will surely inspire a new generation... Rav Shmuly is one of the most dynamic teachers of our time."
- Rabbi Jonah Pesner, Director, Religious Action Center
"Pirkei Avot is the Talmud’s premier collection of the great ethical and spiritual teachings of the Rabbis over a period of hundreds of years. Now, Rabbi Yanklowitz, through a work of intensive and wide-ranging research informed by his own active and extraordinary commitment to justice, has produced a work guaranteed to insure that Pirkei Avot continues to be Judaism’s preeminent text on how to be a good person. And that is of course what we were put on the earth to be."
- Rabbi Joseph Telushkin, Author, Jewish Literacy
"A wide ranging, sensitive, and spiritually attuned commentary on one of the great rabbinic texts. Rabbi Yanklowitz fills each page with wisdom both ancient and modern."
- Rabbi David Wolpe, Author, David and the Divided Heart
"Why is this edition of the rabbinic classic Pirkei Avot different from all other versions? Because it is filled with the wisdom, ethics, and psychological insights of Rabbi Yanklowitz. His commentary is humane, ethically responsible, spiritually sensitive and inspiring, focused on helping us become better people even as we repair a broken world. The book’s warmth, charm and seriousness make it a great read, while its relevance and practicality make it worthwhile and enriching. It is a wonderful addition to every personal library. It offers a chance for friends, spouses, parents, and children to learn this text together and grow closer to each other in the process."
- Rabbi Dr. Yitz Greenberg, Founding President of CLAL, Author, Theologian
"Rabbi Yanklowitz has drawn on a breathtaking number of sources and persons as well as his own personal experiences in composing his commentary. Commentators ancient and modern, men and women, Jew and Gentile, as well as insights and anecdotes drawn from his own life and a variety of academic disciplines are all in conversation with one another in this path breaking commentary on this traditional text."
- Rabbi David Ellenson, Director of the Schusterman Center for Israel Studies at Brandeis University
"In The Soul of Jewish Justice, Rabbi Shmuly leaves no stone unturned halachically, socially, politically, and religiously. This book is set to become the quintessential reference for all social issues in Judaism and it will be featured prominently among the bookshelves of those of us who value a Judaism of social welfare and consciousness."
- Mayim Bialik, Ph. D - Emmy Nominated Actress & Author
"Rabbi Shmuly Yanklowitz’s name has become synonymous with the call for ethical renewal and social justice within the American Jewish community… In this much-needed volume, he shares with readers his thoughts on central questions of our day. Our world will be a better place if his message is widely heeded."
- Jonathan D. Sarna, Joseph H. & Belle R. Braun professor of American Jewish History, Brandeis University
"Shmuly Yanklowitz is a rare young leader who combines brilliance of mind, passion of the heart and spirituality of the soul. He is a great Jewish global leader and activist for the 21st century that calls upon us all to find our callings and to meet our highest potentials. This book challenges us and inspires us all as Jews to support the vulnerable, take responsibility for social problems, and protest the greatest wrongs around the world. ‘Jewish Ethics & Social Justice’ should be read time and time again."
- Rabbi Avi Weiss, Hebrew Institute of Riverdale
“I thank you, Rabbi Yanklowitz, for what you’ve done not only here in Phoenix, but also serving as a role model for so many of us in the Jewish world.”
- Professor Susannah Heschel, Eli Black Professor of Jewish Studies at Dartmouth College
“This volume is significant not only for its contents, but as a symbol of a new generation of Orthodox Jews who strive to put their Jewish knowledge and ideals into action on behalf of society. The values and insights of the Jewish religious tradition can and should impact on society as a whole. Orthodoxy needs to make its voice heard on the large issues which confront our world. In this book, Rabbi Yanklowitz raises his voice on these large issues. In so doing, he points the way for a better, more engaged and more relevant Orthodox Judaism… and for a better world.”
- Rabbi Dr. Marc Angel, Founder & Director, Institute for Jewish Ideas and Ideals
“Jewish Ethics & Social Justice serves as a crucial reminder that Jewish learning and tradition are crucial resources to address the moral problems and challenges of our time. My student, Rabbi Shmuly Yanklowitz, merges a sophisticated approach to Torah with a passionate voice of conscience that we all must consider.”
- Rabbi Chaim Brovender President, Academy for Torah Initiatives and Directions, WebYeshiva.org
‘Jewish Ethics & Social Justice is the most wonderful read and serves as an inspiring reminder that one of the greatest foundations of the Torah is social justice. Balancing the cry for the vulnerable emanating from the Prophets with the measured systems of justice of the Sages, Rav Shmuly integrates Jewish wisdom with contemporary moral issues masterfully.”
- Rabbi Dr. Nathan Lopes Cardozo, Dean, David Cardozo Academy
“We are indebted to Rabbi Yanklowitz for helping each of us find not only intellectual but also spiritual inspiration from these ancient maxims; for guiding us to open our hearts to receive this inspiration; for encouraging us to apply it to developing our own individual characters and ensuring that we are present and effective throughout our lives - and that we work as we can to make the world better for all its inhabitants.”
- Ruth Messinger, AJWS Global Ambassador
“Like the Book of Jonah itself, Rav Shmuly’s meditations are deeply jewish and deeply human. His book speaks to any person gripped by the overwhelming challenges of the twenty-first century; he draws wisdom not only from traditional Jewish sources, but also from biblical scholarship and from writings dedicated to social justice philosophy, moral psychology, and more… Rav Shmuly reminds us - urgently - that God is waiting, still, for our answer.”
- Professor Christine Hayes, Robert F. and Patricia Ross Weis Professor of Religious Studies in Classical Judaica, Yale University
“In this thoughtful, powerful book, Rabbi Yanklowitz passionately demonstrates how the Book of Jonah can impact how we see the world, the divine, and our obligations to one another.”
- Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg, author of Surprised by God and Nurture the Wow
“Throughout history we have faced unique pressing challenges. Today we are dealing with multiple serious crimes simultaneously: the coronavirus pandemic, an unsettled global economy, an increase in poverty around the world, the reemergence of powerful authoritarian regimes, and the devaluing of democratic governments… Rabbi Yanklowitz’s book gives us the strength to turn outward by enabling us to understand how Jonah misread God’s role in the world and how to create a just and merciful approach to our lives and the lives of other people.”
- Jerusalem Post
“Comprised of eloquent, insightful, informative, thoughtful, and thought provoking commentaries, The Book of Jonah: A Social Justice Commentary is an extraordinary and unreservedly recommended addition to personal, rabbinical, community, synagogue, college, and university library Contemporary Judaic Studies collections and supplemental reading lists.”
- Midwest Book Review
- The Honorable Madeleine Albright, United States Secretary of State (1997-2001)
“I’m inspired by Rabbi Yanklowitz’s selfless act of donating a kidney to a total stranger. It tells us a lot about the moral character of a life dedicated to Jewish ethics and values.”
- Natan Sharansky
“I respect Rabbi Shmuly’s kidney donation so much and applaud his tireless advocacy.”
- Senator Elizabeth Warren
“Rabbi Yanklowitz’s writings about organ donation and Jewish philosophy made me step back and consider the universal impact of human actions. With a single act, a person can indeed change the world.”
- Michael Douglas
“Consistent with morals and Jewish law, organ donation is a big mitzvah. It’s a way to continue life even as your soul leaves the Earth. I support Rabbi Yanklowitz’s teaching and writing on this topic. Thank you for donating your kidney.”
- Senator Joseph Lieberman
"The notion of separating oneself from a body part is difficult to understand, and even more so when the recipient is a stranger. I was moved by Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowitz’s selfless act of donating a kidney and found his reasoning to do so fascinating. This book is a wonderful collection of spiritual and personal writings about the transformational power of giving back to others who are in their most vulnerable hours. A powerful read."
- Rabbi Dr. Daniel Sperber
"A lively, wide-ranging commentary including the perspectives of rabbis and commentators over the centuries, historical and political figures, and contemporary feminist voices."
- Rabbi Rachel Adler, PhD, David Ellenson Professor of Modern Jewish Thought, Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion
"Rav Shmuly is a leading voice calling upon the Jewish community to pursue justice. His commentary on Pirkei Avot grounds this sacred work in the centuries old teachings of our rabbis, and will surely inspire a new generation... Rav Shmuly is one of the most dynamic teachers of our time."
- Rabbi Jonah Pesner, Director, Religious Action Center
"Pirkei Avot is the Talmud’s premier collection of the great ethical and spiritual teachings of the Rabbis over a period of hundreds of years. Now, Rabbi Yanklowitz, through a work of intensive and wide-ranging research informed by his own active and extraordinary commitment to justice, has produced a work guaranteed to insure that Pirkei Avot continues to be Judaism’s preeminent text on how to be a good person. And that is of course what we were put on the earth to be."
- Rabbi Joseph Telushkin, Author, Jewish Literacy
"A wide ranging, sensitive, and spiritually attuned commentary on one of the great rabbinic texts. Rabbi Yanklowitz fills each page with wisdom both ancient and modern."
- Rabbi David Wolpe, Author, David and the Divided Heart
"Why is this edition of the rabbinic classic Pirkei Avot different from all other versions? Because it is filled with the wisdom, ethics, and psychological insights of Rabbi Yanklowitz. His commentary is humane, ethically responsible, spiritually sensitive and inspiring, focused on helping us become better people even as we repair a broken world. The book’s warmth, charm and seriousness make it a great read, while its relevance and practicality make it worthwhile and enriching. It is a wonderful addition to every personal library. It offers a chance for friends, spouses, parents, and children to learn this text together and grow closer to each other in the process."
- Rabbi Dr. Yitz Greenberg, Founding President of CLAL, Author, Theologian
"Rabbi Yanklowitz has drawn on a breathtaking number of sources and persons as well as his own personal experiences in composing his commentary. Commentators ancient and modern, men and women, Jew and Gentile, as well as insights and anecdotes drawn from his own life and a variety of academic disciplines are all in conversation with one another in this path breaking commentary on this traditional text."
- Rabbi David Ellenson, Director of the Schusterman Center for Israel Studies at Brandeis University
"In The Soul of Jewish Justice, Rabbi Shmuly leaves no stone unturned halachically, socially, politically, and religiously. This book is set to become the quintessential reference for all social issues in Judaism and it will be featured prominently among the bookshelves of those of us who value a Judaism of social welfare and consciousness."
- Mayim Bialik, Ph. D - Emmy Nominated Actress & Author
"Rabbi Shmuly Yanklowitz’s name has become synonymous with the call for ethical renewal and social justice within the American Jewish community… In this much-needed volume, he shares with readers his thoughts on central questions of our day. Our world will be a better place if his message is widely heeded."
- Jonathan D. Sarna, Joseph H. & Belle R. Braun professor of American Jewish History, Brandeis University
"Shmuly Yanklowitz is a rare young leader who combines brilliance of mind, passion of the heart and spirituality of the soul. He is a great Jewish global leader and activist for the 21st century that calls upon us all to find our callings and to meet our highest potentials. This book challenges us and inspires us all as Jews to support the vulnerable, take responsibility for social problems, and protest the greatest wrongs around the world. ‘Jewish Ethics & Social Justice’ should be read time and time again."
- Rabbi Avi Weiss, Hebrew Institute of Riverdale
“I thank you, Rabbi Yanklowitz, for what you’ve done not only here in Phoenix, but also serving as a role model for so many of us in the Jewish world.”
- Professor Susannah Heschel, Eli Black Professor of Jewish Studies at Dartmouth College
“This volume is significant not only for its contents, but as a symbol of a new generation of Orthodox Jews who strive to put their Jewish knowledge and ideals into action on behalf of society. The values and insights of the Jewish religious tradition can and should impact on society as a whole. Orthodoxy needs to make its voice heard on the large issues which confront our world. In this book, Rabbi Yanklowitz raises his voice on these large issues. In so doing, he points the way for a better, more engaged and more relevant Orthodox Judaism… and for a better world.”
- Rabbi Dr. Marc Angel, Founder & Director, Institute for Jewish Ideas and Ideals
“Jewish Ethics & Social Justice serves as a crucial reminder that Jewish learning and tradition are crucial resources to address the moral problems and challenges of our time. My student, Rabbi Shmuly Yanklowitz, merges a sophisticated approach to Torah with a passionate voice of conscience that we all must consider.”
- Rabbi Chaim Brovender President, Academy for Torah Initiatives and Directions, WebYeshiva.org
‘Jewish Ethics & Social Justice is the most wonderful read and serves as an inspiring reminder that one of the greatest foundations of the Torah is social justice. Balancing the cry for the vulnerable emanating from the Prophets with the measured systems of justice of the Sages, Rav Shmuly integrates Jewish wisdom with contemporary moral issues masterfully.”
- Rabbi Dr. Nathan Lopes Cardozo, Dean, David Cardozo Academy
“We are indebted to Rabbi Yanklowitz for helping each of us find not only intellectual but also spiritual inspiration from these ancient maxims; for guiding us to open our hearts to receive this inspiration; for encouraging us to apply it to developing our own individual characters and ensuring that we are present and effective throughout our lives - and that we work as we can to make the world better for all its inhabitants.”
- Ruth Messinger, AJWS Global Ambassador
“Like the Book of Jonah itself, Rav Shmuly’s meditations are deeply jewish and deeply human. His book speaks to any person gripped by the overwhelming challenges of the twenty-first century; he draws wisdom not only from traditional Jewish sources, but also from biblical scholarship and from writings dedicated to social justice philosophy, moral psychology, and more… Rav Shmuly reminds us - urgently - that God is waiting, still, for our answer.”
- Professor Christine Hayes, Robert F. and Patricia Ross Weis Professor of Religious Studies in Classical Judaica, Yale University
“In this thoughtful, powerful book, Rabbi Yanklowitz passionately demonstrates how the Book of Jonah can impact how we see the world, the divine, and our obligations to one another.”
- Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg, author of Surprised by God and Nurture the Wow
“Throughout history we have faced unique pressing challenges. Today we are dealing with multiple serious crimes simultaneously: the coronavirus pandemic, an unsettled global economy, an increase in poverty around the world, the reemergence of powerful authoritarian regimes, and the devaluing of democratic governments… Rabbi Yanklowitz’s book gives us the strength to turn outward by enabling us to understand how Jonah misread God’s role in the world and how to create a just and merciful approach to our lives and the lives of other people.”
- Jerusalem Post
“Comprised of eloquent, insightful, informative, thoughtful, and thought provoking commentaries, The Book of Jonah: A Social Justice Commentary is an extraordinary and unreservedly recommended addition to personal, rabbinical, community, synagogue, college, and university library Contemporary Judaic Studies collections and supplemental reading lists.”
- Midwest Book Review