Open Minded Torah

Of Irony, Fundamentalism and Love

Open Minded Torah elicits unheard voices from the Jewish past for a twenty-first century Judaism at a time when fundamentalists and fanatics often dominate conversations about religion. Kolbrener's brilliant and unorthodox essays are a must-read for anyone who wants to pursue a life of faith, based on commitment yet sensitive to the complexities and demands of the modern world.

In essays as likely to turn to baseball, the NASDAQ and Denzel Washington as to Shakespeare, quantum physics and psychoanalysis, Kolbrener provides powerful - and often surprising - insights into how open mindedness allows for authentic Jewish engagement in an age otherwise defined by fundamentalism or unbelief.

Open Minded Torah presents - on topics ranging from parenting a son with Down syndrome to Biblical criticism to Talmudic interpretation of dreams - a perspective on Judaism which emphasizes skepticism, pluralism and the need to embrace difference. Through a personal synthesis of Western and Jewish learning, popular culture and philosophy, Kolbrener offers a compelling new vision where being open minded allows for a non-dogmatic and committed Judaism. Informed by Kolbrener's considerable erudition, but always accessible, the essays of Open Minded Torah are critical for those wanting to pursue a non-coercive, tolerant and creative Jewish life.

For every person, it is said, there is a corresponding letter in the Torah: this innovative collection shows Kolbrener writing his letter, and providing the inspiration for others to write their own.