CCAR

Edited by Rabbi Oren Hayon

This anthology gives voice to the many diverse and contemporary perspectives about each of the Ten Commandments. Written by an impressive collection of rabbis and scholars, the volume allots multiple chapters for each of the commandments in order to engage with the ways in which these timeless utterances have inspired contemporary laws, ethics, and moral guidelines.

Silver medal: Independent Publisher Book Awards (Religion category)

Table of Contents
Study Guide - Free Download

Video Learning from Authors

"Inscribed: Encounters with the Ten Commandments is a beautiful, powerful meditation on the many faces of the Ten Commandments. It provokes and challenges, inspires and engages, and offers a myriad of new ways to understand and live out Revelation in our lives. It's both a wonderful personal read and a great tool for teaching."
- Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg, author of Surprised by God and Nurture the Wow

"Deeply learned and yet accessible, this elegant collection of diverse rabbinic voices explores the many meanings of one of the central texts of the Torah, the Aseret Hadibrot. The sacred text remains unchanged, but we, of course, do not. In this powerful volume, the reader is taken on a journey through various life situations, to which the Ten Commandments are then applied and in which they become meaningful. Inscribed is a beautiful exploration of the abiding authority of the Torah, the messiness of our lives, and the many complicated ways in which the commandments continue to speak to us and guide us."
- Matthias Henze, Isla Carroll and Percy E. Turner Professor of Hebrew Bible and Early Judaism, Rice University

"At a time when thoughtful dialogue can be difficult for individuals with contrasting views of the world, when more and more assert their perspectives as the only possible truth and surround themselves only with those of like mind, Rabbi Oren Hayon has assembled a timely, rich, and important compilation of essays on one of the world's great, revelatory Truths. With compelling and diverse writings on each of the Aseret Hadibrot by outstanding Judaic scholars, Inscribed shows us that differing, equally significant ideas can come together in one beautiful whole. Each chapter will inspire further study and engaging conversation as the relevant and timeless words of Torah are given new voice. Adapting the words of Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook, in Inscribed 'What is old has indeed been made new,
and the new is sacred.'"
- Rabbi Ron Segal, President, Central Conference of American Rabbis

"The essays in Inscribed would be perfect for discussion groups and adult education classes. Readers who have not engaged in serious consideration of these commandments will learn just how relevant they are to contemporary lives. Those looking for additional ways to view the commandments or to challenge their current interpretations will also find this work has much to offer."
- Rabbi Rachel Esserman, The Jewish Reporter Group

"This superb collection is one of the best books I've seen that examines the ins and outs of the Ten Commandments. The collection of authors who contribute to the anthology are among the leading thinkers in American Jewry.... A wonderful book for young and old, scholar and layperson alike."
- Rabbi Dov Peretz Elkins

"Inscribed serves the very useful purpose of reminding and educating us about the broad and enduring applicability of the Ten Commandments in the twenty-first century, as well as being an excellent resource for contemplation and action."
- Rabbi Dr. Charles Middleburgh, Dean, Leo Baeck College

Watch the official Inscribed Launch & Learn event.

Listen to Rabbi Oren Hayon on the Seekers of Meaning Podcast.

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