Scholar of Jewish Ethics Will Speak on Repentance

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Dr. Louis Newman, a leading scholar of Jewish ethics, will lecture on his new book at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 8, in Room 232 of George W. Truett Theological Seminary on the Baylor campus.

His book, Repentance: the Meaning and Practice of Teshuvah (Jewish Lights 2010), illustrates how the Jewish principles of teshuvah ¬- truthfulness, responsibility and humility - are key to rehabilitation and reconciliation.

Teshuvah, which can be translated as "repentance," is a spiritual process, "a central - some would say, the central - religious-moral teaching of Judaism," Newman writes.

"Dr. Newman is one of the leading Jewish ethicists in America today and we are pleased that he is coming to lecture at Baylor as a guest of the Center for Jewish Studies," said Dr. Marc Ellis, professor of history in the Center for Jewish Studies.

"In our fractured world it is important to remember what Jews and Christians share in common - the active pursuit of a just and peaceful world," Ellis said. "Dr. Newman's lecture in my Holocaust course and lecture in Dr. Reid's scripture course further that understanding of our joint mission."

Newman is the John M. and Elizabeth W. Musser Professor of Religious Studies at Carleton College in Northfield, Minn. He has been thinking, teaching and writing abut Jewish ideas for more than 30 years.

He has special interests in Jewish ethics and contemporary Jewish life and thought, particularly in America.

He is also the author of Past Imperatives: Studies in the History and Theory of Jewish Ethics (SUNY Press 1998) and An Introduction to Jewish Ethics (Prentice Hall 2005).

The event is open to the public and free of charge.

Truett Seminary is at 1100 S. Third St. in Waco.

by Susie Typher, student newswriter, (254) 710-6805