Twenty-Six Questions on the Path to Wisdom

""David Patterson has said, 'the very quest for truth through our thoughts, words, and deeds contains the divine.' Twenty-Six Questions guides that quest, providing lessons from Torah, Talmud, Midrash, medieval Jewish philosophy, and contemporary theology. It is a masterclass in understanding Judaism, conducted by a modern master, accessible to all who thirst for knowledge."" --Richard Libowitz, Associate Professor Emeritus, Temple University ""Deeply rooted in Hebrew Scripture, David Patterson's reading of ancient text is a sensitive and astute guide to enduring questions that guide our lives. Through an interweaving of biblical passages and moments, legend, and literary narratives, Patterson demonstrates that storytelling, also a deeply ingrained tradition of Jewish learning, offers midrashic occasions for self-reflection. Such enduring questions show their continuing relevance to our lives. The central focus of this richly storied work, finally, poses a framework for what it might mean to live ethically in the world among others."" --Victoria Aarons, O. R. and Eva Mitchell Distinguished Professor of Literature, Trinity University ""Dr. David Patterson is relentless in his quest for meaning, spirituality, and humanism. As always in this treatise he conveys his wisdom with care, profundity, and clarity. This book is a treat both for the mind and the soul. May HaShem bless Dr. Patterson and his efforts to yield the impacts of his work, and may he witness the benefits to mankind he is so devoted to catalyzing."" --Akiva Zweig, Rosh Yeshiva, Talmudic College of Florida ""David Patterson's special book equips us for life, for study, for a daily quest of meaningful conversation and prayer. He instructs us in the art of asking questions and, equally important, points out which questions deserve to be asked--asked not once, but over and over again."" --Avraham (Alan) Rosen, author of The Holocaust's Jewish Calendars: Keeping Time Sacred, Making Time Holy