Ingram Publishers Services

Ingram Publishers Services

English

"For those of us who have argued that the traditional Halakhah [Jewish law] is far more open, pluralistic and compassionate than it has been made to be, Dr. Zemer now provides a detailed documentation of that position ... an indispensable resource for understanding the core of Jewish tradition."—Dr. Neil Gillman, professor of Jewish philosophy, The Jewish Theological Seminary of America“In its own right, an important link in the chain of liberal Halakhah ... deserving of assessment and respect as a collection of responsa.”—Rabbi David Ellenson, PhD, president, Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion“Through this scholarly yet accessible book, Zemer challenges those who have allowed Halakhah to become rigid and callous. Zemer brilliantly demonstrates that justice and compassion provide the basis for authentic halakhic decisions and demands acceptance for his progressive approach.”—Rabbi David Teutsch, president, Reconstructionist Rabbinical College“Grounded in the tradition of adaptation and renewal, Zemer's voice is vital to our survival today.”—Rabbi Naamah Kelman, coordinator, Beit Midrash, a Liberal Yeshiva, Jerusalem“Finally, a text for liberal Jews enabling us to encounter Halakhah as a significant and meaningful structure in our lives.”—Rabbi Sheldon Zimmerman, vice president, Jewish Renaissance and Renewal, United Jewish Communities“An extraordinary achievement, for it both projects deep respect for Halakhah and contributes to its development. Rabbi Zemer searches for traditional precedents that allow for flexibility and reflects a Halakhah that walks in the footsteps of Hillel rather than of Shammai.”—Rabbi W. Gunther Plaut, editor, The Torah: A Modern Commentary