Torah Ethics of Interpersonal Relationships ─ Middot Ledorot

Torah Ethics of Interpersonal Relationships: Middot LeDorot is a compilation of Rabbi Hilsenrath's comments on the Books of Genesis and Exodus focusing upon ethical advice and guidance. Using Midrashic and Talmudic texts, Rabbi Hilsenrath provides thoughts and perspectives that offer guidance and direction to many of life's perplexing interpersonal challenges. His application of rabbinic texts, based on verses in Genesis and Exodus, are refreshing and insightful. Parents raising a family, adult children dealing with aging parents, spouses, and community leaders will find this book a powerful source of spiritual guidance and common sense. Each quoted biblical verse is edified by numerous rabbinic texts and interwoven with ethical insights based upon more than five decades of offering sage counsel.

Rabbi Yakov Hilsenrath (1932-2014) was born in Vienna, Austria, but immigrated to Brooklyn, New York with his family after miraculously escaping the Nazis during World War II. He later moved to New Jersey with his wife, Devorah, where he served at the Beth Judah Temple for 11 years. He also served as Chaplain for the Jewish members of the Coast Guard, and was named as one of Five outstanding Young Men in New Jersey. In 1964, Rabbi Hilsenrath accepted a position at the Highland Park Conservative Temple. During his service, he established the American Jerusalem Academy for Contemporary Judaic Studies, and received 14 Solomon Shechter awards, which recognizes excellence in teaching Jewish worship and ritual. He was also honored by many other organizations, such as the Avi Chai foundation and the Anti-Defamation League. He is survived by his wife, children, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.