Can an ancient king supply a salve for our modern spiritual restlessness?
"King Solomon wisely taught that we must live each stage of our lives in a constructive way. As long as we have goals and aspirations, we are alive; we are growing; we are using the gift of time in a meaningful way."
-from Chapter 1, "When There Is Life-Live!"
Rabbi Marc D. Angel, PhD, mines the biblical literature attributed to King Solomon, the Hebrew Bible's model of wisdom, for the answers to life's important questions.
Ecclesiastes-What is life's meaning and mission? What is my significance in the vastness of space and the eternity of time?
Proverbs-How can I help maintain a healthy society, with a focus on truth, compassion and moral courage?
The Song of Songs-How can I achieve a genuine, soul-satisfying relationship with God?
More than biblical commentary, Rabbi Angel shows us how Solomon's wisdom can soothe the contemporary disquiet of all of us seeking a thoughtful, challenging and spiritually vibrant approach to life.
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.
"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
