Always There, But Is It Ever Good?
New OU publication explores the realm of anger

We live in a time when there is more freedom than ever to express one’s anger, and conventional wisdom suggests that keeping emotions bottled up can be harmful. What does Jewish tradition say? In a newly released Pardes Project publication, the Orthodox Union looks at the issue of anger and asks the probing question-- does anger have a rightful place?

Sponsored by the OU’s Pardes Project, the pamphlet cites biblical and talmudic sources on the guidelines of anger, and explores the distinction between positive and negative anger. On the one hand, the Talmud says, “When a wise person gets angry, he loses his wisdom.” On the other hand, what is the criteria for positive anger? Is there an obligation to display anger if it can effect a positive change?

The Pardes Project, a monthly educational program, enables Jews of all backgrounds to explore centuries-old wisdom on contemporary issues through informal, non-judgmental home-based discussion groups. Since 1995, the Pardes Project has revitalized the world of adult Jewish learning. In living rooms, senior centers, college campuses and synagogues in 15 countries around the world countries including Australia, Singapore, South Africa and Germany, more than 15,000 people are participating in the Pardes dialogue. Previous Pardes topics include spirituality, ecology, terrorism, friendship, gender and guilt.

To learn more about the Pardes Project call, Rabbi Yitzchok Rosenberg at 212.613.8148 or visit www.ou.org/pardes.

The Orthodox Union, now in its second century of service to the Jewish community of America and beyond, is the world leader in youth work, advocacy for the disabled, synagogue services, adult education and political action. Its kosher supervision label, the OU, is the world's most recognized kosher symbol and can be found on nearly 250,000 products in 68 countries around the globe.

Note to Editors: For a free copy of the Pardes source book on anger, please call 212.613.8321.

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Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America Department of Public Relations Sharyn Perlman, Director Main Office: 11 Broadway, New York, NY 10004 Phone: 212-613-8321 Fax: 212-564-9058 E-mail: media@ou.org

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