Fundamentals of Jewish Conflict Resolution - (Studies in Orthodox Judaism) by Howard Kaminsky (Paperback)

About the Book

An in-depth presentation of traditional Jewish approaches to resolving interpersonal conflicts. Among the topics discussed are the obligation to pursue peace, what constitutes constructive conflict, countering judgmental biases, resolving conflict through dialogue, apologies, forgiveness, and anger management.

Book Synopsis

An in-depth presentation of traditional Jewish approaches to resolving interpersonal conflicts. Among the topics discussed are the obligation to pursue peace, what constitutes constructive conflict, countering judgmental biases, resolving conflict through dialogue, apologies, forgiveness, and anger management.

Review Quotes

"Dr. Kaminsky is an established mediator and expert in conflict resolution. And in his book [Fundamentals of Jewish Conflict Resolution] the author masterfully contributes to this endeavor. ... This book, an expansion of Kaminsky's doctoral dissertation, is a remarkable scholarly work, encyclopedic in its scope, detailed in its analysis and replete with insights that deserve serious consideration for anyone interested in the field. ... I urge all to encounter this text. For within its pages, one finds a spirit that is hopeful about human change even as it understands the limitations of human nature. Kaminsky presents a vision of conflict resolution that is unique and ambitious." -Rabbi James Rosen, Journal of Religion & Spirituality in Social Work

"A stimulating, integrative book. Kaminsky draws insightful connections between traditional Judaic teachings around peace and conflict, and contemporary scholarship in the field of conflict resolution. By providing a side by side exploration of the core goals and concerns, practices and processes, patterns of thought, and approach to emotion that characterize each of these two domains, Kaminsky helps to illuminate constructive ways forward in the face of interpersonal conflict. Informed by Kaminsky's own experience as both a Rabbi and a trained mediator, this book offers a unique survey of Jewish teachings, as well as thought provoking recommendations for those of us in the field of conflict resolution."

"A superb study, informed by fastidious scholarship, of the key principles of conflict resolution in Jewish law and thought. I recommend it highly to all those seeking to bring peace to troubled relationships, within and beyond the Jewish community."

"Howard Kaminsky has made a monumental contribution to the emerging field of religion and conflict resolution. It is no small achievement to delve into the depth and breadth of a 3000-year-old tradition and emerge with a coherent and path-breaking account of Judaism's contribution to conflict resolution. He has mastered the legal and non-legal literature and given it persuasive form as a plausible system of intervention in conflict. This will help pioneer a new and necessary field, and also a new approach to the practice of Jewish intervention in destructive conflict."

This is a comprehensive bibliographic collection and an encyclopedia in one book.

About the Author

Howard Kaminsky is a research fellow at the Pardes Center for Judaism and Conflict Resolution, and serves as a mediator for Community Mediation Services in Queens, NY. He has an EdD in religion and education from Teachers College, Columbia University and rabbinic ordination from Mesivta Tifereth Jerusalem.