About Judaism Reclaimed

Several running themes form the backbone of this book. These include:

• The different approaches of the rationalist and mystical Rishonim, their place in Jewish tradition, and how their worldviews are evident in their interpretation of key passages of the Torah.
• Rambam’s sometimes controversial approach to interpreting Torah concepts and passages to fit his worldview, and the extent to which these interpretations retain relevance in a post-Aristotelian world.
• The approach of Rav Hirsch to interpreting mitzvot, and his broader understanding of Judaism.
• The concept and function of a Chosen Nation.
• The origin and development of the Oral Law and its relationship to the Torah’s written text.
• The scope, nature and motives of Rabbinic law.
• Responses from within Jewish tradition to some of the central challenges posed by academic biblical criticism.
• Specific chapters critique chapters of recent controversial books which have gained popularity and influence in some parts of the Orthodox world such as Rabbi Binyamin Lau’s The Sages and Marc Shapiro’s The Limits of Orthodox Theology.

Particular attention is paid to the writings and worldviews of Rambam and Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch, who stand out for the manner in which they took up the challenge of responding openly and rationally to the challenges faced by Orthodox Judaism in their respective eras. The book attempts to follow their willingness to embrace the disciplines of logic and science, seeking to avoid clashes between them and the Torah without reducing the significance of either.

The book has benefited from the advice and input of reviewers drawn from both the world of Torah learning and from the sphere of contemporary academe, each of which has provided invaluable assistance. Any further comments and suggested improvements from its readership will be welcomed warmly.