EDITOR’S NOTE The massive earthquake that devastated Haiti on January 12 triggered an equally massive global response. The swift worldwide outpouring of humanitarian and financial aid in reaction to Haiti’s horrific suffering and urgent need demonstrated once again that catastrophes often give rise to teachable moments. What, exactly, is a teachable moment? It is “a moment of educational opportunity, a time at which a person is likely to be particularly disposed to learn something or particularly responsive to being taught or made aware of something” (MSN Encarta). President Obama, whose use of the phrase has popularized it, said about the earthquake, “In the aftermath of disaster, we are reminded that life can be unimaginably cruel. That pain and loss is so often meted out without any justice or mercy. That ‘time and chance’ happen to us all. But it is also in these moments, when we are brought face to face with our own fragility, that we rediscover our common humanity. We look into the eyes of another and see ourselves.” In the continuing aftershock of Haiti’s catastrophic earthquake, Rabbi Jill Jacobs’ new book, There Shall Be No Needy: Pursuing Social Justice through <strong>Jewish</strong> Law & Tradition (see review, p. 43), is particularly relevant and timely. A comprehensive exploration of the concepts of tzedakah and tikkun olam, the book stems from the principle that in Judaism healing the sick and providing for the poor are not choices but obligations. Rabbi Jacobs, who is rabbi in residence at <strong>Jewish</strong> Funds for Justice, goes deeply but comprehensibly into classical <strong>Jewish</strong> sources, contemporary policy debate, and real-life stories to explore aspects of social justice as well as stories about repairing our broken world, each from a deeply <strong>Jewish</strong> perspective. 2 <strong>Jewish</strong> <strong>Book</strong> World Winter 5770/2009 Amidst the worldwide flood of support for Haiti, Israel stood out for its ability to quickly set up a field hospital in a Port-au-Prince soccer field and begin performing surgery while other nations were still waiting for supplies. Within three days, Israel had ten tons of medical equipment, 40 doctors, 24 nurses, medics, paramedics, x-ray equipment and personnel, a pharmacy, an emergency room, two surgery rooms, an incubation ward, a children’s ward, and a maternity ward up and running. It was no accident that the <strong>Jewish</strong> State got there first; it was no public relations stunt, either. The reason Israel had the know-how and capability to do what was needed in Haiti is a reflection of something deep in the nation’s character, a central <strong>Jewish</strong> value that demands engagement in public life and a sense of obligation to each other. Special envoy to Haiti former President Bill Clinton pointed out that the response to great tragedy can be predictive of the future. Israel’s quick and thorough response in helping to alleviate Haiti’s suffering was an example of our Biblical mission to be a light unto the nations. Our core values, our belief in tzedakah, justice, and tikkun olam, demand that we come together whenever and wherever necessary to bring light and hope to those who are in need. In the words of Rabbi Jacobs, “we understand giving beyond our immediate community as a means of increasing peace and of emulating the divine quality of mercy.” As Jews we have brought upon ourselves some of the problems in the way the world perceives us. But in the broader scales of justice, Israel’s speedy and effective response in Haiti is a glimpse into our core, of which we can , and should, be proud. <strong>Jewish</strong> <strong>Book</strong> World <strong>Jewish</strong> <strong>Book</strong> <strong>Council</strong> is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1943 to promote the publishing, writing, and reading of quality books of <strong>Jewish</strong> interest. In sponsoring <strong>Jewish</strong> <strong>Book</strong> World the <strong>Council</strong> aims to meet the need for a journal devoted to providing thoughtful <strong>reviews</strong> of new <strong>Jewish</strong> books and features on the author and literary scene. It is our hope that <strong>Jewish</strong> <strong>Book</strong> World will be a valued resource in navigating today’s exciting <strong>Jewish</strong> literary scene. The <strong>Council</strong> is also the sponsor of <strong>Jewish</strong> <strong>Book</strong> Month, the National <strong>Jewish</strong> <strong>Book</strong> Awards, the <strong>Jewish</strong> <strong>Book</strong> NETWORK, the Sami Rohr Prize for <strong>Jewish</strong> Literature, and other programs and activities. Staff Carol E. Kaufman Editor Naomi Firestone Managing Editor Lisa Silverman Children’s <strong>Book</strong> Editor Barbara Goelman Editorial Assistant, Children's <strong>Book</strong>s Sean Kennedy Art Director <strong>Jewish</strong> <strong>Book</strong> <strong>Council</strong> Lawrence J. Krule President Harry I. Freund Vice-President Judith Lieberman Vice-President Mimi S. Frank Secretary Henry Everett (z”l) Honorary Chairman of the Board Carolyn Starman Hessel Director Miri R. 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