A book from Jewish Lights, SkyLight Paths’ sister imprint
Provides an informative and inspiring look at the sympathetic non-Israelite characters of the Hebrew Bible and the redemptive relationships they had with the Jewish people.
Rabbi Jeffrey K. Salkin
Foreword by Rabbi Harold M. Schulweis
Preface by Phyllis Tickle
Paperback
6 x 9, 192 pp | 978-1-58023-364-4
Who are the ancient role models for the sacred relationship between Jews and non-Jews today?
Now more than ever, gentiles are an integral part of the Jewish community. But they are not new to the Jewish story. In fact, righteous gentiles go back to Abraham. The story of the Jewish people can’t be told without them.
Noted author and educator Rabbi Jeffrey Salkin provides an informative and inspiring look at the sympathetic non-Israelite characters of the Hebrew Bible and the redemptive relationships they had with the Jewish people. Relying on biblical and extra-biblical sources, he introduces each character, drawing lessons from the life of each that will be relevant to you, whatever your faith tradition. They include the …
- First gentile to bless a Jew
- First woman to hear the Divine voice and save a Jewish baby
- First teacher of morality to the Jews
- First gentile mother of Jewish children
- Gentile midwives who invented civil disobedience
- Mother of Moses and nurturer of the Jewish people
- Father-in-law and teacher of Moses
- First “gentile Zionist”
- Gentile warrior who fought for the Israelites
- Gentile contractor for Solomon’s Temple
- Gentiles who acknowledged God and repented
- Creator of the Second Jewish Commonwealth
“A treasure trove…. Teaches us to open our eyes to people of all faiths among us who embody the highest ethical ideals, enhance our lives and ensure the ultimate redemption of all of humankind. A must read and gift for everyone who is interested in reading the Bible.”
—Norman J. Cohen, rabbi, provost of Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion and professor of midrash; author, The Way Into Torah
“Sparkles with fresh insights and new perspectives. Jews and Christians alike will be bemused and enlightened by Salkin’s new look at our ancient texts.”
—Dr. Eugene J. Fisher, associate director emeritus, Secretariat for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops
“A mitzvah of great generosity. Will help gentiles like me find a place in the storyof GodÂ’s people without taking what does not belong to us.”
—Barbara Brown Taylor, author, An Altar in the World: A Geography of Faith
