Halakhic Man, Authentic Jew: Modern Expressions of Orthodox Thought From Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik and Rabbi Eliezer Berkovits [Hardcover]

Ira Bedzow (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 2009

Halakhic Man, Authentic Jew is a comparative study of the thought of Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik and Rabbi Eliezer Berkovits about what constitutes a model Jew and the understanding and presentation of Halakha in a modern era.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Rabbi Bedzow possesses a rare combination of lomdus and profound philosophical knowledge. His work compels a reexamination of the most fundamental ideas of the Mesorah. A must read. --Rabbi Fishel Todd, Founder of Yeshivat Pirchei Shoshanim

With intellectual honesty and disarming humility, Bedzow sheds much light on the complex interplay of Orthodoxy and modernity. Any thinking Jew will be delighted by this sophisticated and insightful study. --Henry Abramson, Ph.D., Dean of Academic Affairs, Touro College South

About the Author

Rabbi Ira Bedzow received rabbinical ordination from Rabbi Zalman Nehemiah Goldberg and Rabbi Daniel Channen. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Princeton University and a Master of Arts degree fr m University of Chicago. Rabbi Bedzow is a member of the faculty at Touro College South and the Director of Land Acquisition and Finance at Groupe Pacific.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 191 pages
• Publisher: Urim Publications (June 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 9655240290
• ISBN-13: 978-9655240290
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,198,323 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars AN IMPORTANT AND TIMELY "MUST READ", August 20, 2009

By 

Esther M. Berger - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Halakhic Man, Authentic Jew: Modern Expressions of Orthodox Thought From Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik and Rabbi Eliezer Berkovits (Hardcover)

This important and timely book is a must read for thoughtful laypersons and experts alike. In a world where "modern Orthodoxy" is increasingly regarded as an oxymoron at worst and anachronistic at best, the author brings his refreshing and erudite perspective to the writings of two of the most fascinating and revered Jewish thinkers of our era. Even for those already well acquainted with the ideas of Rabbi Soloveitchik and Rabbi Berkovits, his cogent analysis of their respective philosophies invites the reader to engage in a broader conversation about the way Judaism should be expressed - and lived - in the modern world.

In his discussion of the rabbis' view of the ideal Jew, Bedzow explores such concepts as tzelem Elokim, kavod, talmud Torah and the performance of the commandments, individual versus community, the chosenness of the Jewish people, and the roles of the land of Israel and Exile in the history of the Jewish people. His examination of halakha as a system of epistemology and ethics sheds new light on how we should properly approach and observe Jewish Law.

Drawing from an intriguing array of resources, including everything from the Torah, Talmud, and medieval Jewish thought to concepts in philosophy, mathematics, and literature. the author expresses himself in ways that excite the mind and challenge the soul. This book is long overdue, and is sure to be a catalyst for fresh thinking and lively dialogue.