“We live in a world,” says Brad Hirschfield, “where religion is killing more people than at any time since the Crusades.” A...
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reviews
Sep 07, 2011
Margie
rated it: 
So close to being a good book.
But he attempts to come at the topic from too many angles, and as a result doesn't do justice to any of them. Overall it's a bit too lightweight to convince anyone who doesn't agree with him, and also too lightweight to be interesting/intriguing for those who do agree with him. It's less than preaching to the choir; it's waving casually to the choir.
But he attempts to come at the topic from too many angles, and as a result doesn't do justice to any of them. Overall it's a bit too lightweight to convince anyone who doesn't agree with him, and also too lightweight to be interesting/intriguing for those who do agree with him. It's less than preaching to the choir; it's waving casually to the choir.
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Feb 28, 2009
P.S.
rated it:
Namby pamby. Throughout the book he defends engagement with people we might find ourselves radically at odds with, which is all well and good. One personality he celebrates, Mo Hassan, who sought with his wife to create a "spirituality both genuinely Islamic and deeply American" - just beheaded his wife. Not sure what Rav Brad going to do with that one. Both dumb, illogical and good things are said in this book.
Jan 25, 2012
Laura
rated it: 
This is a wonderful book. Even thought I already agree with its philosophical and social message, I was enriched by reading it. I received deeper understanding of how to express my pluralistic views, as well as some techniques for dealing with the difficult interfaith situations I sometimes encounter in my work,
Aug 09, 2011
Beth
rated it: 
Very insightful and refreshing. Rabbi Hirschfield has a very global perspective and encompases the dignity of all people. Not to mention I love how he can relate just about every religious teaching to something in pop culture, like Dr. Suess! I would highly recommend this book.
Jan 28, 2009
Harrell
rated it:
This is one of those books that every person of faith should read. Our faith and our belief systems have much to do with our perspectives and our experiences. This is a well written work, and it doesn't matter what your faith tradition is, please read this one book.
May 30, 2010
Crystal
rated it: 
This is a great book about listening to one another, but I am afraid that it felt like he was preaching to the choir. The people likely to read the book are the ones that are already more likely to be open to listening to other perspectives. I enjoyed seeing his strategies though.
The book was written in a conversational style so was very easy to read.
The book was written in a conversational style so was very easy to read.
Jun 09, 2009
Melea
rated it:
Rabbi Hirschfield has written one of the few books, that I think need to be required reading by all thoughtful persons. This is all about engaging others in thoughtful, and respectful dialogue. Just because I may not agree with someone I need to respect their rights as human beings (with the free will, that I believe God gave to all) to have their opinions. Once I take the need to be right out of the picture, and respect other people's need to express themselves then maybe we can begin to create
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Feb 27, 2009
Janet
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I am enjoying this book so far. I am learning about the Palestinian Israeli conflict and also about finding ways that we can all talk to one another and respect each other's opinions.
Aug 03, 2009
Jeff
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Learned that it is possible for people who are not fanatics to get along with each other. Just wish there were fewer fanatics in the world.
Oct 10, 2008
Sue
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In his youth, the (American-born) author was part of a hard-core right-wing settler group in Israel. A particular incident forced him to rethink his priorities. Now, many years later, he's an ordained Orthodox rabbi & a copresident of
CLAL (The National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership). He's written a thoughtful & sometimes wordy book on religious tolerance & on respecting other faiths besides one's own. For me as a reader, he was preaching to the choir, but he did raise some More...
CLAL (The National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership). He's written a thoughtful & sometimes wordy book on religious tolerance & on respecting other faiths besides one's own. For me as a reader, he was preaching to the choir, but he did raise some More...
Jun 08, 2008
Melanie
rated it:
I tend to love any books I pick up written by Rabbis :)
This one was no exception. Sometimes its hard to rememember I am not the only one out there that believes in the acceptance of all religions.
And that loving and accepting one another is the true path to any path.
Awesome book! Perfect timing :)
This one was no exception. Sometimes its hard to rememember I am not the only one out there that believes in the acceptance of all religions.
And that loving and accepting one another is the true path to any path.
Awesome book! Perfect timing :)
May 08, 2010
Katie
rated it:
I admire the rabbi's faith and his ability to maintain it while still asking questions and allowing that maybe he isn't right. I want a faith that strong.
Apr 20, 2008
Mollie
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I really enjoyed this book. I thought it was well written, interesting, and entirely following my line of thought. so clearly I loved it.
Jun 18, 2009
Jennifer
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The title says it all. My hope for the next generation. Not just tolerance but respect for the views and beliefs of others.
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