The Evolution of Halakhah as a Democratic Process: A Political Science Perspective
| Author: | Raab, David | |
| Year: | 2018 | |
| Pages: | 144 | |
| ISBN: | 1-4955-0650-9 978-1-4955-0650-5 | |
| Price: | $139.95 + shipping | |
| (Click the PayPal button to buy) | ||
This book sets out to prove a new perspective on the evolution of halakhah: a "people-centric" narrative. To wit, that it is the community of observant Jews--the People--who, directly or based on their social reality since the Second Temple period through today, drive the refinement, redefinition, change in, and finally, acceptance of halahkhah.
Reviews
“In this book, David Raab draws upon the social sciences – political science in particular – to offer a new perspective on the evolution of halakhah. He claims that the evolution of halakhah determination and practice is consistent with the characteristics of representative democracy. Hence while the rabbis have the unique authority to establish halakhic rulings, halakhic practice is ultimately in the hands of the people.”
Dr. Simcha Fishbane,
Touro College
Dr. Simcha Fishbane,
Touro College
Table of Contents
Foreword
Preface and Acknowledgements
I. Introduction
II. The Democratic Nature of Halakhah-Observant Society
III. Multiple Conflicting Halakhic Truths
IV. Determining the Halakhah
V. The People as the Source of Rabbinic Authority--Halakhic Democracy
VI. The People's Impact on Halakhah
VII. Conclusion
Afterword
Bibliography
Index of Names and Subjects
Index of Jewish Sources
Preface and Acknowledgements
I. Introduction
II. The Democratic Nature of Halakhah-Observant Society
III. Multiple Conflicting Halakhic Truths
IV. Determining the Halakhah
V. The People as the Source of Rabbinic Authority--Halakhic Democracy
VI. The People's Impact on Halakhah
VII. Conclusion
Afterword
Bibliography
Index of Names and Subjects
Index of Jewish Sources