The New Judaism

About the Book

This iconoclastic personal statement on Judaism is deeply rooted in traditional learning but encourages diversity in practice in order to foster religious participation by a wide variety of individuals. The book challenges the neophyte, sophisticated intellectual Jews, disaffected Jews as well as aspiring converts to confront the core ideas of Judaism through a lens that is not always consistent with rabbinic teachings. In The New Judaism, the author builds bridges between a universal monotheistic religion and the details of Jewish learning, prayer and deeds (including the struggle to repair the world.) Thomases is deeply reverent about the great teachers of the past. He also believes that each person learns directly or indirectly from ancestors. He is writing a spiritual legacy to inform and inspire Jews and who have not yet put down roots. While careful study of Torah, Talmud, midrash and commentaries are ideal, Thomases encourages Jews to find in the traditional stories and celebrations his or her own point of access to the beauty of the religion. One chapter explores the centrality of Shabbat to Jewish life and civilization with a vitality that is inspiring. Thomases wants Jews to find nourishment for the soul on the weekly holy day and avoid the barrier created by a long list of forbidden activities. He recognizes how difficult it is for many of his contemporaries to pray. He recommends ways to begin the process while the music is becoming familiar and before skills in Hebrew are acquired. The author challenges active modern Jews to rethink some of their sensitivities about the Chosen People. He describes the special character of the Jewish People forged by a dialogue between their history and their religion. Thomases asks the reader to accept that talking to God or seeking the Ineffable One is the focus of Judaism but that doubt or disbelief should not be a barrier to living as a Jew. Finally, he deals with the concept of the individual soul and its place in the Spiritual Universe. He is not disturbed or surprised that people move or change (even radically) in their religious commitments. He is also confident that the heart of Judaism will remain strong even as it evolves. The gravitational power of this ancient religion will persist. Appendix I focuses on the Binding of Isaac to introduce the reader to Jewish study. It includes numerous texts from ancient and modern sources, and juxtaposes the different views in a way that is both readable and challenging. In Appendix III, the author explores universal concepts of the soul and how each human being can be a part of many spiritual worlds.

About the Author

Matt Thomases is a business executive and a sculptor. His first formal studies in religion were at Lafayette College. He majored in History and International Affairs, graduating Magna Cum Laude in 1962. Thomases received an MA in Economics from Columbia University. In 1983-84 he studied at the Jewish Theological Seminary. Thomases has been an active leader of the National Havurah Committee for over twenty-two years. He was among the founders of a study havurah in Park Slope, Brooklyn. He is also a member of a Conservative synagogue. The author was raised in Englewood, N.J. As a youth he was inspired by Rabbi Israel Margolies and Rabbi Arthur Hertzberg. This book has been written over ten years while servicing clients as an investment banker and creating numerous bronze and steel sculptures. He signs these works in Hebrew, Mordecai ben Ysrael, MbY.