The Wisdom of Solomon and Us - by Marc D Angel (Hardcover)

About the Book

King Solomon's own spiritual journey was captured in the Hebrew Bible's books of wisdom literature--Ecclesiastes, Proverbs and the Song of Songs. These expressions of profound wisdom that can help all generations wrestling with faith and doubt, ethics and righteousness, the quest for intimacy with God and personal transcendence through love.

Book Synopsis

King Solomon's own spiritual journey was captured in the Hebrew Bible's books of wisdom literature-Ecclesiastes, Proverbs and the Song of Songs. These expressions of profound wisdom that can help all generations wrestling with faith and doubt, ethics and righteousness, the quest for intimacy with God and personal transcendence through love.

Review Quotes

"Rabbi Angel combs the wisdom of Jewish tradition, based on his half-century of teaching the three books of wisdom literature, supposedly written by King Solomon at different stages of his life. He does a masterful job, bringing illustrative material from his wide reading in literature, philosophy and theology, plus the millennia-old traditions of Jewish texts. The reader can select any short chapter, and come away enlightened and inspired." - Jewish Media Review

"Wonderful.... The wisdom books of the Hebrew Bible are the Torah for our age, and in Rabbi Angel's hands you will see why. If you are looking for a new take on ancient wisdom, this book is it."
-Rabbi Rami Shapiro, translator and annotator, Ecclesiastes: Annotated & Explained and Proverbs: Annotated & Explained

"Who knew that the ancient wisdom of King Solomon could be so relevant and urgent for our lives today? Angel guides us on a rich, provocative tour of the biblical books ascribed to Solomon, and makes us look more honestly at our own choices, our moral courage and our yearning for spirituality."
-Abigail Pogrebin, author, Stars of David: Prominent Jews Talk about Being Jewish

"Living in a world in which divisiveness seems to reign, it is gratifying that Rabbi Angel in this book reminds us that diversity of thought and unity of spirit can live together."
-Rabbi Joseph Potasnik, executive vice president, New York Board of Rabbis

"Rabbi Marc Angel-a master teacher, scholar, rabbi, guide; truly a wise man-brings us ever closer to the Eternal in this thoughtful, moving and challenging text, a reflection of the wisdom of Solomon and the uplifting personal and religious wisdom of its author. I couldn't put it down as new insights emerged with every reading."
-Rabbi Sheldon Zimmerman, The Jewish Center of the Hamptons

"Immensely engaging.... Should be on the bedside table of every person curious about the meaning and practice of the Jewish religion."
-Naomi Ragen, author, The Sisters Weiss, The Tenth Song and other best-selling novels

"Holds a wide-angle lens on Judaism, revealing a natural balance and integration of religion with the whole of life."
-Rabbi Elie Kaplan Spitz, author, Increasing Wholeness: Jewish Wisdom and Guided Meditation to Strengthen and Calm Body, Heart, Mind and Spirit

"A powerful and important read for all Jews ... no matter how religious or observant you are.... A beautiful tapestry to guide you to be a better Jew and a better human being."
-Rabbi Asher Lopatin, president, Yeshivat Chovevei Torah

About the Author

Rabbi Marc D. Angel, PhD, is founder and director of the Institute for Jewish Ideas and Ideals (www.jewishideas.org). Rabbi emeritus of Congregation Shearith Israel of New York City, he is author and editor of twenty-nine books, including Maimonides, Spinoza and Us: Toward an Intellectually Vibrant Judaism; Foundations of Sephardic Spirituality: The Inner Life of Jews of the Ottoman Empire (both finalists for the National Jewish Book Award); The Rhythms of Jewish Living: A Sephardic Expoloration of Judaism's Spirituality (all Jewish Lights); and Maimonides-Essential Teachings on Jewish Faith and Ethics: The Book of Knowledge and the Thirteen Principles of Faith-Annotated & Explained (SkyLight Paths).