The author provides a wonderful perspective on the roots of social justice in Judaism and focuses on the implications for us in the way we live our lives in modern society. Beginning with a comprehensive overview of traditional Jewish text, she provides the foundation for understanding our obligation to make the world a better place. In subsequent chapters Rabbi Jacobs focuses on specific subject areas that impact all of us in our daily lives, including such issues as poverty, employer-employee relations, housing and the homeless, health care, environment, and rehabilitation. In the final chapter she brings everything together by suggesting how the Jewish community can play an important role by participating in public life in the United States.
Rabbi Jacobs’ writing is clear and concise and she presents the text in a way that enables one not only to learn with her but to want to know more of what she is discussing. This is a particularly inspiring book that may lead readers to become active in their local communities and even become involved in broader movements to improve American society. Glossary, index, list of recommended books for further reading.