Dr. Byron L. Sherwin and Dr. Seymour J. Cohen, two leading scholars in Jewish thought, begin this treasure trove of wisdom with a bang by stating: "Rather than concentrating on things of beauty, Jewish teachings focused on the creation of people of beauty. The primary goal was not physical prowess, or comely appearance, or even commercial success. Rather, the goal was to become a shainer yid — a beautiful Jew — to create one's life as a work of art."
Using a variety of classic texts including the Zohar, The Holy Letter, The Path of the Upright by Moses Hayyim Luzzatto, Duties of the Heart by Bahya ibn Pakudah, and others, the authors illustrate and discuss the personal, religious, and social virtues involved in creating a life that is a work of art. At the foundation is the spiritual practice of gratitude, which Sherwin and Cohen see as "a recognition of divine grace, a testimony to providential care, an act of reciprocity for blessings already bestowed." Love of God and of others is also a central thrust in creating a morally beautiful life.
We were quite impressed with the treatment of health by Jewish ethical writers in medieval times who, recognizing a mind/body connection, linked vices such as gluttony, avarice, intolerance, and greed to physical maladies of the heart, stomach, and liver. Equally cogent is the insight that anger translated into self-hate leads to depression.
Sherwin and Cohen cover other dimensions of creating an ethical Jewish life such as studying the Torah, employing wealth for the benefit of others, how to speak without harming others, and ways to treat one's parents. They conclude: "God's most superlative artwork is the human being. It is the human task to complete God's unfinished artistic masterpiece." This is a very helpful resource for those starting this all-important project.