Philosophy

What is the Legacy of Rav Aharon Lichtenstein?

Rabbi Dr. Hillel Goldberg in Jewish Action · 27 Aug 2015

Rabbi Aharon Lichtenstein's legacy is multifaceted and open to interpretation, with different perspectives emerging about his teachings and approach.

0 Jewish Law Philosophy

On Complexity and Clarity

Jewish Action · 27 Aug 2015

Rabbi Shalom Carmy discusses the complexity of human decision-making and values as exemplified by Rav Aharon Lichtenstein's teachings and actions.

0 Philosophy Literature

Do You Want to Know a Secret?

Allan Arkush in Jewish Review of Books · 17 Jun 2015

The author reflects on a conversation about philosopher Leo Strauss and his idea of esoteric writing, where authors hide true meanings to protect themselves and society.

0 Torah Philosophy

Toil and Text: The Twin Gifts of Shavuot

Sarah Marx in Tablet · 21 May 2015

The author reflects on their transformative experiences working on a farm and studying Torah, highlighting the interconnectedness of farming and Jewish tradition.

0 Holocaust Philosophy

Hannah Arendt under the microscope

Tel Aviv Review · 15 May 2015

Dr. Michal Aharony from Beit Berl Academic College discusses her book "Hannah Arendt and the Limits of Total Domination" with host Gilad Halpern, focusing on how Arendt's theories on totalitarianism are analyzed through the perspective of Holocaust victims and survivors.

0 Holocaust Philosophy

Hannah Arendt under the microscope

Tel Aviv Review · 13 May 2015

This text explores the theories of Jewish-German philosopher Hannah Arendt on totalitarianism by examining testimonies from Holocaust victims and survivors.

0 Music Philosophy

Middle-of-the-road Judaism: The emergence of Modern Orthodoxy

Tel Aviv Review · 13 Feb 2015

Dr. Ephraim Chamiel discusses his book on the emergence of Modern Orthodoxy, where Jewish philosophers aimed to blend tradition with modernity.

0 Philosophy Education

Accounting for the Soul

Abraham Socher in Jewish Review of Books · 9 Dec 2014

In Edith Brotman's book "Mussar Yoga," a unique combination of the Jewish ethical movement of Mussar and yoga practice is explored, aiming to cultivate ethical character traits through disciplined self-reflection and physical practice.

0 Philosophy Jewish Law

Thoroughly Modern Maimonides?: A Rejoinder

Lawrence Kaplan in Jewish Review of Books · 9 Dec 2014

Josef Stern provides a thoughtful response to Lawrence Kaplan's critique of his reading of Maimonides' "The Guide of the Perplexed," acknowledging that Maimonides' statements about God's pleasure and anger are not to be taken literally but hold deeper implications about the value of truth.

0 Jewish Law Philosophy

Silence of the Lambs

Jeremy Wanderer in Jewish Review of Books · 9 Dec 2014

In "Silence of the Lambs," the discussion revolves around the concept of sacrifice in both ancient religious practices and modern political and ethical contexts, particularly in the United States.

0 Philosophy Jewish Law

Thoroughly Modern Maimonides?: A Response

Josef Stern in Jewish Review of Books · 9 Dec 2014

Josef Stern responds to Lawrence Kaplan's praise of his book "The Matter and Form of Maimonides Guide" by discussing key issues raised.

0 History Philosophy

The Jewish Exiles Return to Germany

Jürgen Habermas in Tablet · 12 Nov 2014

Jewish emigrants who returned to Germany after being expelled found themselves as irreplaceable teachers, contributing to German philosophy and influencing the younger generation after World War II.

0 Holocaust Philosophy

Richard Wolin on Arendt’s “Banality of Evil” Thesis

Seyla Benhabib in Jewish Review of Books · 14 Oct 2014

Richard Wolin criticizes the interpretation of Hannah Arendt's "banality of evil" thesis, pointing out factual errors and challenging the emphasis on Martin Heidegger's influence over Immanuel Kant in Arendt's thinking.

0 Jewish Law Philosophy

Thoroughly Modern Maimonides?

Lawrence Kaplan in Jewish Review of Books · 16 Sep 2014

"Moshe Halbertal's intellectual biography 'Maimonides: Life and Thought' delves into the relevance of Maimonides in modern times, exploring his contributions to both Jewish law and philosophy. Maimonides, known for works like the Mishneh Torah and 'The Guide of the Perplexed,' aimed to simplify Jewish law and de-anthropomorphize God to combat idolatry. Halbertal highlights Maimonides' emphasis on philosophy and science for religious enlightenment, shedding light on his struggles against superstition. The book also discusses Maimonides' comprehensive interpretation of tradition and the authority of his works like the Mishneh Torah. Despite his efforts, Maimonides' radical reorganization of halakha and enigmatic 'Guide' faced divergent readings and led back to Talmudic study, showcasing the complexities and enduring impact of his legacy."

0 Education Philosophy

The Digression

Abraham Socher in Jewish Review of Books · 16 Sep 2014

The text reflects on the final days of the author's father, a man who found solace and purpose in philosophy throughout his life.

0 Jewish Law Philosophy

‘Jewish Karma’: When Bad Things Happen to Good People Who Do Bad Things

Rebecca Klempner in Tablet · 5 Aug 2014

The author recounts a personal experience involving a fire accident to explore the concept of "middah kneged middah," or Jewish karma, where actions have consequences mirroring the initial deed.

0 Antisemitism Philosophy

National Socialism, World Jewry, and the History of Being: Heidegger’s Black Notebooks

Richard Wolin in Jewish Review of Books · 15 Jun 2014

Martin Heidegger's recently published Black Notebooks reveal his deep entanglement with National Socialism, anti-Semitism, and belief in the superiority of the German Volk throughout the 1930s and 1940s, shedding light on his controversial political views.

0 Antisemitism Philosophy

Nostalgia for the Numinous

Jonathan Sacks in Jewish Review of Books · 15 Jun 2014

The text discusses the evolution of ideas on religion, atheism, and postmodernism, particularly through the analysis of Terry Eagleton's book "Culture and the Death of God."

0 Literature Philosophy

‘Fungus’: Who’s to Blame When Bad Things Happen to Good Characters?

Etgar Keret in Tablet · 26 Mar 2014

The text explores the idea of responsibility in storytelling, highlighting how authors shape the fates of their characters.

0 Literature Philosophy

Reading Maimonides With Sherwin B. Nuland

Stephanie Butnick in Tablet · 25 Mar 2014

Sherwin B. Nuland, a prominent surgeon and writer, advocated for demystifying death to make it less frightening, believing that the quest for a dignified death is often futile due to the inherent messiness and humiliation of the dying process.

0 History Philosophy

History, Memory, and the Fallen Jew

Steven E. Aschheim in Jewish Review of Books · 5 Mar 2014

Yosef Hayim Yerushalmi, a prominent Jewish historian, is reflected upon through the lens of his essays and writings, shedding light on his fascination with ruptures in Jewish history and the dilemmas faced by fallen Jews, from conversos to scholars like Freud.

0 Jewish Law Philosophy

Cognitive Dissonance

Daniel Gordis in Jewish Review of Books · 6 Jan 2014

The text discusses the decline of Conservative Judaism and the factors contributing to it.

0 Education Philosophy

Rabbi Wolpe’s Picks: A Heschel Master Class

David Wolpe in Tablet · 9 Dec 2013

Rabbi David Wolpe delves into the profound teachings of Abraham Joshua Heschel, a revered Jewish scholar known for his spiritual insights and poetic prose.

0 Philosophy Jewish Law

Kashrut and Kugel: Franz Rosenzweig’s “The Builders”

Lawrence Kaplan in Jewish Review of Books · 25 Nov 2013

In a symposium on Jewish belief, Commentary Magazine highlighted the influence of Franz Rosenzweig, a German Jew whose essay "The Builders" provided a meaningful non-Orthodox perspective on Jewish law, emphasizing the transformation of law into personal commandment through practice.

0 Literature Philosophy

Kafka at Bedtime

Rebecca Schuman in Jewish Review of Books · 25 Nov 2013

"Kafka at Bedtime" discusses two recent works based on the writings of Franz Kafka.

	Andrew Lapin
	Cindy Scarr
	Sruli Fruchter
	Warren Zev Harvey
	Blake Smith
	Natan Slifkin
	Steven Gotlib
	Batya Hefter
	PJ Grisar
	Rabbi Daniel Cohen

JL;DR

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