Tag: Jewish Philosophy

Rav Shagar, an influential thinker in Israel's Dati Leumi community, focused on the concept of accepting the yoke of Heaven in his teachings.
Rabbi Bezalel Naor's analysis of Rambam and Rabbi Nahman of Breslov's perspectives on poetry reveals contrasting views.
Bezalel Naor delves into the comparison between the Jewish and Hellenic views of leadership and the ideal states through the lenses of Talmudic legends and the works of philosophers like Plato and Maimonides.
In this article, Aryeh Klapper reflects on his deep connection to the teachings of Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik, known as "the Rav," and discusses the challenges of translating the Rav's works for a new generation.
Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik's relationship with Maimonides can be seen through his reverence for the Mishneh Torah as a beloved halakhic code, which he defended passionately against detractors.
Ari Lamm discusses the perception of a lack of direct conversation about God within Modern Orthodox Judaism, attributing this trend to a broader pragmatic approach in American religious thought, focusing on practical implications of belief in God.
Adam Kirsch's book "The People and the Books" explores the rich tapestry of Jewish literature from Moses to Sholem Aleichem, highlighting key figures like Disraeli, Judah Halevi, and Maimonides who grappled with central themes of God, Torah, the Land of Israel, and the Jewish people.
"Help, I'm a Prisoner in a Brain Lab" explores the clash between traditional Jewish concepts and modern scientific determinism, as discussed by author Alan Mittleman.
Zev Harvey, a Jewish philosophy professor, discusses the life and ideas of Prof. Aviezer Ravitzky, a leading Jewish philosopher in Israel, before a public event honoring Ravitzky's contributions.
Dr. Yakir Englander, an expert on interfaith dialogue and Jewish philosophy at Harvard University, discusses the role of religion in conflict resolution with host Gilad Halpern.
Rabbi Aharon Lichtenstein's legacy is multifaceted and open to interpretation, with different perspectives emerging about his teachings and approach.
Rabbi Shalom Carmy discusses the complexity of human decision-making and values as exemplified by Rav Aharon Lichtenstein's teachings and actions.
The author reflects on their transformative experiences working on a farm and studying Torah, highlighting the interconnectedness of farming and Jewish tradition.
Prof. Yossi Turner delves into the evolution of Zionism and the increasing political influence of Jewish communities worldwide in 20th-century Jewish thought.
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.
"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."
"Man Is Not Alone" by Abraham Joshua Heschel, published in 1951, presents faith as a profound connection akin to the intimacy between lovers, where one replaces oneself with God to reveal inner truths.
The text explores the author's experience teaching Jewish history through drama at a Sunday school, where the director lacked a clear vision of the curriculum.
Solomon Maimon, a controversial Jewish philosopher in the late 18th century, narrated his life in an autobiography where he critiqued the brutality and irrationality of traditional Jewish education.
In "The Peace and Violence of Judaism," Robert Eisen reflects on the impact of religious conflicts, particularly the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the role Judaism has played in exacerbating or mitigating violence.
Boris Groys, in his book "Introduction to Antiphilosophy," discusses a modern trend in philosophy called antiphilosophy, which focuses on the everyday concerns of people rather than abstract ideas.