| A Tree of Life: Diversity, Flexibility and Creativity in Jewish Law [Second Edition] Contributor(s): Jacobs, Louis (Author) |
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ISBN: 187477448X ISBN-13: 9781874774488 Publisher: Littman Library of Jewish Civilization OUR PRICE: $32.62 Product Type: Paperback Published: August 2000 Annotation: Now revised and expanded, Louis Jacobs's fascinating study shows how halakhic rulings through the ages have been influenced by social, economic, theological, and even political factors as well as by consideration of the wider ideals and demands of Judaism. Halakhic responses to changed social considerations, particularly regarding women and questions of personal status, new techologies and discoveries, and attitudes to non-Jews are all considered in depth. |
| Additional Information |
| BISAC Categories: - Religion | Judaism - Sacred Writings - Social Science | Jewish Studies - Religion | History |
| Dewey: 296.18 |
| LCCN: 00021942 |
| Series: Littman Library of Jewish Civilization |
| Physical Information: 0.72" H x 6.14" W x 9.21" (1.06 lbs) 344 pages |
| Themes: - Religious Orientation - Jewish - Ethnic Orientation - Jewish |
| Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
| Publisher Description: The central thesis of A Tree of Life, now revised and expanded, is that social, economic, theological, and even political factors have always played a part in framing of Jewish law, as has consideration of the wider ideals of Judaism. Through discussion of historical and contemporary halakhic responses to a wide range of issues, Louis Jacobs shows how the halakhic system has demonstrated its potential for vitality, creativity, and sensitivity. Louis Jacobs's call, in the last chapter, for a non-fundamentalist approach to halakhah was a cause of controversy both when the book was first published in 1984 and subsequently. The new introduction written for this edition responds robustly to the criticisms raised, and also summarizes new developments, both halakhic and scholarly, in the various areas covered. |