Becoming a Mensch : Timeless Talmudic Ethics for Everyone

"...Wonderfully uplifting and practical guide to the cultivation of universal virtues such as kindness, generosity, and self-discipline...[Pies] adapts the ancient wisdom of the Talmudic rabbis [and] ...shows himself a master teacher in interpreting the written and lived lessons of the great spiritual and ethical figures of the Jewish tradition in meaningful ways for readers of any or no religious background or commitment."---Cynthia M. A. Geppert, M. D., Ph.D., MPH, chief of consultation psychiatry and ethics, New Mexico Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Albuquerque, associate professor of psychiatry and director of ethics education, University of New Mexico School of Medicine

"...Pies is a brilliant scholar, a splendid writer, and a deeply thoughtful man. In Becoming a Mensch, he evinces thoughtfulness in two senses of the word: remarkable intellecrual depth and sincere concern about the needs and rights of others. By creating modern-day vignettes that illustrate a wide variety of ethical issues, and by drawing on scores of Talmudic and rabbinical sources, Dr. Pies teaches readers of all faiths (and of no faith) what it takes to be not merely a human being, but a humane being."---Robert H. Deluty, Ph.D., associate dean of the Graduate School. University of Maryland, Baltimore County, author, Hearing the Grass Grow and Unfolding

Becoming a Mensch is a "user's guide" to becoming a better person, taking readers through a process of personal growth by means of modern-day vignettes that draw upon the Talmud's ancient wisdom. By examining character traits such as "kindness and compassion," "self-mastery and self-discipline," and "humility and flexibility," readers of any or no faith learn what it takes to become a "mensch"---a decent and honorable human being. Readers are introduced to the greatest sages of the Talmudic era and many modern masters of ethical behavior. Becoming a Mensch is not only a guidebook for personal growth, it is also a useful guide for parents who want to foster the ethical development of their children.