Judaism
A Guide for Christians
Tzvi Novick begins his new book with the three maxims for interreligious dialogue that were famously taught by Krister Stendahl, bishop of the Church of Sweden in the 1980s. Authentic dialogue, he writes, requires that each party be allowed to speak for themself (so, for example, Christian educators should not be the primary source of information about Judaism for their congregations). Second, we should compare best to best, rather than comparing the best of one tradition to the worst in another. Finally, productive interreligious dialogue creates space for what Stendahl calls “holy envy,” a reverence for aspects of another’s religion that is not present in our own and that perhaps even addresses an unmet need.
In Judaism: A Guide for Christians, Novick offers all three opportunities for Christians who want to engage meaningfully with Judaism. As an Orthodox Jew who teaches Jewish thought and culture at the University of Notre Dame, Novick has experience in translating elements of Jewish thought and practice for a Christian audience. His substantive knowledge of Christianity, particularly Catholicism, gives him insight into the areas where a typical Christian may struggle with a concept (for example, Judaism as both a religion and an ethnic identity), and he is skilled at putting ideas and practices in terms familiar to Christians. He models respect for both religious traditions. Reading his book as a Christian is an experience of healthy interfaith engagement.
Throughout the book Novick offers clear and concise introductions to important aspects of Judaism, including Torah study and practice, the covenant with Israel, God’s relationship with gentiles, the sabbath, festivals, marriage, sexuality, the life cycle, philosophy, spirituality, and the relationship between Judaism and the state of Israel. For each topic, he provides an overview of the fundamentals (including the diversity of thought and practice among Jews themselves), a bibliography for readers who wish to learn more about the various points explored in the chapter, and discussion questions that go deeper than one would typically expect in such a guide. Here we see the college professor at work, inviting his readers to apply new ideas and knowledge in interesting and open-ended ways.
