Traditional Jewish religious belief speaks of a divinely revealed, perfect text, authoritatively expounded. The question this book addresses is one with which the author has struggled all his life: in the light of historical criticism, advances in knowledge, and changing moral attitudes, is the traditional notion of divine revelation and authoritative interpretation still valid? The focus is on Judaism and the examples are mostly drawn from that tradition, but the arguments are easy to transpose to other religions. Norman Solomon's discussion will appeal to those who seek to identify with a religious community but who are troubled by the claim of divine authority made for the scriptures of that community. Ranging across several academic disciplines, it is addressed to people of all religions who find their heads and their hearts are not in accord with each other. It is accessible to a general readership interested in the relationship of scripture, interpretation, and religious authority, though scholars will find original observations and historical interpretations in many areas. It should find a ready place in university and popular programmes in Jewish studies, general theology, and philosophy of religion.
This book is dedicated to the premise that the idea of Torah from heaven deserves continued respect and discussion. This volume hopes to contribute to the Jewish conversation over the generations, sparking interest and further study.
"Accepting the Yoke of Heaven is a collection of thoughts on the weekly Torah portion by the Jewish philosopher, Yeshayahu Leibowitz. As he leads us from Creation to the death...
Rabbi Wolfe Kelman , of blessed memory , urged me very early on to undertake this translation ; and even after his passing , I often heard his voice spurring me on . He is sorely missed , but his contribution is gratefully acknowledged ...
Unlike the faddish books that just discuss Kabbalah as a magical system, or those that treat it as if it were separable from Judaism, this inspiring book makes accessible the mysteries of Kabbalah with thorough scholarship and depth of ...
While no longer remembering the specific trigger for that emotion , I do recollect vividly an episode from 1961-1962 ... Had I before now grasped that extra dimension of discomfort , the pain and then the agony of babies whose skin had ...
The book also explores the views of medieval scholars such as Maimonides and Nahmanides, Jewish mystical teachings about reincarnation, and modern views of faith and belief, as well as the evolving view of the Messiah over the course of ...
Then, in light of the book's thesis, Gellman offers his understanding of Torah from Heaven, prayer, and the continuing validity of the commandments, for present-day traditional Judaism.
Eventually this cumulative body of work inspired her to illuminate the complete Torah, and for five years she focused her studies and extraordinary illustrative skills on the creation of this book.
... 48 pp, Deluxe Hardcover, 2-color text, ribbon marker, ISBN 1-58023-111-X $19.95 For Kids—Putting God on Your Guest List: How to Claim the Spiritual Meaning of Your Bar or Bat Mitzvah By Rabbi Jeffrey K. Salkin 6 x 9, ...
To Heaven, with Scribes and Pharisees: The Jewish Path to God