A Tree of Life: Diversity, Flexibility and Creativity in Jewish Law
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 Jewish law. 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.
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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. Booknews The founding rabbi of the new London Synagogue further defends his thesis concluding the 1984 edition that social, economic, political, and theological factors have always shaped (Jewish law). Indexed by biblical, Mishnaic, and Talmudic reference as well as general subject. Distributed in the US by ISBS. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
List of AbbreviationsixIntroduction to the Second EditionxiIntroduction: Halakhah and Aggadah31The Talmud, Source of the Halakhah142The Spirit of Halakhah253Exemptions and Extensions344The Influence of Philosophy425The Influence of Mysticism and Kabbalah596Hasidism and Halakhah727Responses to the Gentile World808Halakhah and Sectarianism939Halakhic Responses to Social Change: General Principles11010Halakhic Responses to Social Change: Further Examples12111New Inventions and Discoveries and the Halakhah15212Halakhah and Ethics16813Halakhah and Social Conduct (Derekh Erets)18014Halakhah and Psychology18615Halakhah and Minhag: The Customs of the People as Law20616Towards a Non-Fundamentalist Halakhah220Appendix AThe Literary Form of the Halakhah232Appendix BThe Problem of the Mamzer239Note on Proper Names and Transliteration255Note on Talmudic and Halakhic Sources258Bibliography263Index of Biblical, Mishnaic, and Talmudic References283General Index291
\ BooknewsThe founding rabbi of the new London Synagogue further defends his thesis concluding the 1984 edition that social, economic, political, and theological factors have always shaped (Jewish law). Indexed by biblical, Mishnaic, and Talmudic reference as well as general subject. Distributed in the US by ISBS. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)\ \
