At a time when individualism is the dominant social motif in North America, Jewish thought offers a more communitarian view. This volume explores what obligations Jews have to their communities, as well as what obligations communities have. It explicates the obligations people have to each other in terms of gemilut hesed (deeds of lovingkindness), such as caring for the sick and helping those in mourning. It also explores the requirements of tikun olam (repairing the world) by accomplishing social change.

Through its values-based approach and extensive commentary, this volume encourages the reader to think through personal positions on questions like, How do I decide which causes are most worthy of my energy? What should I do when I visit someone in the hospital? Are there minimal obligations that I have to the community? With references to biblical, rabbinic, medieval, modern and contemporary thought and examples, this is a rich source for thinking about key life issues. Together with the other books in A Guide to Jewish Practice, it provides a comprehensive approach to Jewish living for liberal American Jews.