Challenge and Continuity ― Rabbinic Responses to Modernity, Science and Tragedy

Dating back to early antiquity one of the central roles of rabbinic leadership has been the ability to analyse the key issues of the day and provide an appropriate response, drawing on the depth and breadth of Jewish tradition to do so. Yet the methodology employed in responding to these queries has followed a distinct and continuous pattern over the centuries. Great weight is given to both precedent and community tradition, as well the views of earlier rabbinic scholars, when formulating responses. This work highlights a variety of rabbinic responses to some of the particularly critical issues presented by modernity and science, as well as examples of spiritual leadership in the course of the tragedy of the Holocaust. It also establishes the continuity of the methodological principles utilised in rabbinic responsa, through a focus on the works of two of the greatest rabbinic scholars of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, the Chatam Sofer and Rabbi Moshe Feinstein respectively. The foundation of Judaism rests upon its ability to balance modernity with tradition, to faithfully maintain its adherence to the principles of the Written as well as the Oral Law, and above all to apply these principles to the context in which it finds itself. This work will be of great interest to anyone seeking to understand how this has historically been achieved, as well as those with an interest in the implications of this critical task for the future of the contemporary Jewish community. Maintaining continuity with Jewish tradition and heritage in the face of challenge is one of the central roles of the Jewish people. Challenge and Continuity examines how this has been accomplished by some of our greatest leaders, and thereby teaches essential lessons for our future as a nation loyal to the Torah. *** Rabbi Birnbaum's well-organised treatment of the relationship between Torah and science provides insightful guidance. -- Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis *** [A]n enlightening and inspiring account of how Orthodox rabbis responded to some of the unprecedented stresses of modernity. -- Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks *** A clear discussion of the nature of orthodox rabbinic response to challenge, considering three key areas: modernity, science, and the Holocaust, written by an excellent scholar. -- Dr Naftali Loewenthal, Adjunct Lecturer in Jewish Spirituality, UCL Librarians: ebook available on ProQuest and EBSCO [Subject: Theology, Jewish Studies, Religious Studies]