serve those within the Jewish community in search of sophisticated reflections on the
meaning of their own religious life, those who until now have not had a single volume
which presents a representative sampling of contemporary approaches to Jewish religious
issues. In addition, theologians in other religious traditions may wish to learn from these
authors just as, in fact, most of those included here have been informed by the work of
those outside the Jewish tradition. At a time when the commitment to religious pluralism
has increased dramatically, we hope that a collection of this sort will foster greater un-
derstanding of Judaism's theological underpinings, as these are currently understood by
a range of Jewish thinkers. Finally, we trust that those who teach in academic settings
will find this collection of essays helpful in introducing students to contemporary Jewish
thought and to the continuing vitality of this religious tradition.

Martin Buber once wrote that "all real life is encounter" and that "extended, the lines
of relationships intersect in the eternal You." We dedicate this volume to the people in
our lives who have shown us most profoundly the connection between human intimacy
and a relationship with the divine. In the deepest sense, they are a blessing, for they bring
into our lives that sense of joy and deep contentment which are truly expressions of God's
love.

Los Angeles, California E. N. D.
Northfield, Minnesota L. E. N.
11 Tammuz, 5757
July 16, 1997

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