# Ethics at the Center: Jewish Theory and Practice for Living a Moral Life - Hardcover

by **Elliot N. Dorff** (Author), **Louis E. Newman** (Foreword by)

_Ethics at the Center_ culls the best of Rabbi Elliot N. Dorff's pioneering thinking in Jewish ethics over nearly five decades. Dorff shows that our response to moral issues depends ultimately on our conceptions of the nature of human beings and God; how Jewish law, theology, prayer, history, and community should also define and motivate Jewish responses to moral issues; and how the honorable and divergent stances of Western philosophy and other religions about moral living shed light on Judaism's distinctive standpoints.

From there Dorff applies Judaism's ethics to real life: abortion post-_Roe v. Wade_, sexual orientation and human dignity, avoiding harm in communication, playing violent or defamatory video games, modern war ethics, handling donations of ill-gotten gain after the fact. In conclusion he explores how Jewish family and community, holidays and rituals, theology, study, and law have moral import as well.

Dorff's personal introduction to each chapter reflects on why and when he wrote its contents, its continuing relevance, and if--and if so, how--he would now change what he wrote earlier. Readers will experience not only his evolving ethical thought but many facets of the person and the Jew that Dorff is today.

  

**Elliot N. Dorff** is rector and Sol and Anne Dorff Distinguished Professor of Philosophy at American Jewish University. His many books on Jewish ethics and law include _Modern Conservative Judaism_ (JPS, 2018); _For the Love of God and People_ (JPS, 2007); _Love Your Neighbor and Yourself_ (JPS, 2003); _Matters of Life and Death_ (JPS, 1998); and the National Jewish Book Award-winner _To Do the Right and the Good_ (JPS, 2002).

### Author Biography

**Elliot N. Dorff** is rector and Sol and Anne Dorff Distinguished Professor of Philosophy at American Jewish University. His many books on Jewish ethics and law include _Modern Conservative Judaism_ (JPS, 2018); _For the Love of God and People_ (JPS, 2007); _Love Your Neighbor and Yourself_ (JPS, 2003); _Matters of Life and Death_ (JPS, 1998); and the National Jewish Book Award-winner _To Do the Right and the Good_ (JPS, 2002).

**Number of Pages:** 290

**Dimensions:** 0.81 x 9 x 6 IN

**Publication Date:** March 01, 2024

## Details

- **Price:** 81.0 USD
- **Vendor:** Books by splitShops
- **Type:** Books
- **Tags:** Books by splitShops, Shopify Collective

## Variants

| Variant | Price | Available |
|---------|-------|-----------|
| Default Title | 81.00 USD | In stock |

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- Ethics at the Center: Jewish Theory and Practice for Living a Moral Life - Hardcover

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