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Contemporary Orthodox Judaism's Response to Modernity
Orthodox Judaism is an ideology that has a recognized niche in today's society, both secular and Jewish. However, it is often misunderstood in general or in its specifics by some of its adherents and certainly by those who do not live by its tenets. In Contemporary Orthodox Judaism's Response to Modernity, Rabbi Barry Freundel, in thirty-one relatively brief essays, summarizes Orthodox Jewish teaching on a variety of issues. These range from topics as central to the religious experience as prayer and Messiah, to those as contemporary as abortion and life on other planets.
For the student, the seeker and even for those more knowledgeable this volume will provide much information, food for thought and source material to aid in understanding one of mankind's most ancient religious traditions and its continued vibrancy and relevance in the twenty-first century.
For the student, the seeker and even for those more knowledgeable this volume will provide much information, food for thought and source material to aid in understanding one of mankind's most ancient religious traditions and its continued vibrancy and relevance in the twenty-first century.
343 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2003
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
November 22, 2011
My only real complaint about this book is its title which suggests something of a heavy academic tome rather than the introductory text to Judaism that it actually is. While not as comprehensive and exhaustive as, say, Joseph Telushkin's Jewish Literacy, this book is still an excellent resource for anyone seeking more information on normative Judaism, and particularly in regards to its place in the contemporary world.
The book is, actually, as series of 31 essays ranging from the expected pieces on God and Halakhah to the somewhat less expected (such as the chapters on Astrology and Evolution and Life on Other Planets). While none of these chapters are long enough to fully explore the subject matter in question, they do offer great introductions to each topic as it relates to Judaism and the observant Jew. Extensive bibliographic citations make it fairly easy for the reader to follow up on any particular topics that catch his or her attention.
I would recommend this book for anyone seeking to become more knowledgeable of the role of normative Judaism in contemporary culture.
The book is, actually, as series of 31 essays ranging from the expected pieces on God and Halakhah to the somewhat less expected (such as the chapters on Astrology and Evolution and Life on Other Planets). While none of these chapters are long enough to fully explore the subject matter in question, they do offer great introductions to each topic as it relates to Judaism and the observant Jew. Extensive bibliographic citations make it fairly easy for the reader to follow up on any particular topics that catch his or her attention.
I would recommend this book for anyone seeking to become more knowledgeable of the role of normative Judaism in contemporary culture.
November 2, 2016
As others have mentioned, the book title is somewhat misleading. Most of the chapters are a general introduction to Judaism, only the last third deals explicitly with Modern Orthodox responses to contemporary topics. These are clearly written and can be covered within a short afternoon. A thorough web search or a good discussion round online or offline can give you similar insights.
The sixth chapter was one of the more informative ones, particularly Freundel’s explanation and discussion of Theodicy and insights on the book of Job. The latter are, as he mentions himself, based on over ten years of experience teaching this particular text. This is where Freundel offers clarity of thought and language I would have liked to see in other chapters.
Two examples of confusing word choice or insufficient editing from pp. 59–60:
“Can there be prophets today? Maimonides certainly thought so.”
Does certainly mean with certainty, being sure of it, or is it Freundel’s opinion that there cannot be any doubt about Maimonides’ belief in prophecy? Although the adverb indicates the first option, it is still unclear what Freundel meant here.
Another example: “Some claim that it emerges from the fact that parts of the tradition were lost.” This is a basic faux-pas (see e.g. Strunk and White’s Elements of Style) and can be avoided with ease: “Some claim that it emerges from a partial loss of the tradition.”
The sixth chapter was one of the more informative ones, particularly Freundel’s explanation and discussion of Theodicy and insights on the book of Job. The latter are, as he mentions himself, based on over ten years of experience teaching this particular text. This is where Freundel offers clarity of thought and language I would have liked to see in other chapters.
Two examples of confusing word choice or insufficient editing from pp. 59–60:
“Can there be prophets today? Maimonides certainly thought so.”
Does certainly mean with certainty, being sure of it, or is it Freundel’s opinion that there cannot be any doubt about Maimonides’ belief in prophecy? Although the adverb indicates the first option, it is still unclear what Freundel meant here.
Another example: “Some claim that it emerges from the fact that parts of the tradition were lost.” This is a basic faux-pas (see e.g. Strunk and White’s Elements of Style) and can be avoided with ease: “Some claim that it emerges from a partial loss of the tradition.”
February 1, 2008
Wonderful source for a 21 year old girl converting to Judaism-who still remains a bit scared of her choice.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews