Evolving Halakhah: A Progressive Approach to Traditional Jewish Law

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Jewish Lights Pub., 1999 - Philosophy - 440 pages
"Evolving Halakhah affirms the system of traditional Jewish law, halakhah, as a developing and moral structure, flexible enough to accommodate the changing realities of each generation. In this accessible analysis of halakhah, Moshe Zemer issues a clarion call to follow the ancient and modern principles of evolving halakhah, which demands ethical deeds, the discovery of holiness in the Commandments, a critical approach to the Tradition, and responsibility of the entire Community of Israel. These principles are viewed as the framework in which the other commandments are applied." "It shows that the traditional framework for understanding the Torah's commandments can be the living heart of Jewish life for all Jews - including Reform, Reconstructionist, Conservative, and Modern Orthodox."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved

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Contents

Halakhah as an Evolving Ethical System
3
Maimonides and the Lesser Evil
23
The Essence of Evolving Halakhah
37
Copyright

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About the author (1999)

Rabbi Dr. Moshe Zemer is founding director of the Freehof Institute of Progressive Halakhah in Tel Aviv, where he lives. A congregational rabbi for over thirty-five years, he is one of the rabbis who established the Israel Movement for Progressive Judaism, and serves as president of its Rabbinical Court. Zemer has edited a series of books on Jewish law and published many articles about Halakhah, and is currently senior lecturer in Rabbinics at Hebrew Union CollegeĀ–Jewish Institute of Religion in Jerusalem.

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