A series of principles can be extracted from the Jewish intellectual tradition that have broad implications for individual and societal achievement. This book explores the development of these principles and demonstrates how their application can lead to greater intellectual productivity, a more fulfilling existence, and a more advanced society.
Table of ContentsPreface
Introduction
Part One. Libraries of the Jewish People
Chapter 1. Golden Libraries in the "Golden Age," Tenth-Twelfth Centuries: The Library of R. Samuel Ha-Nagid
Chapter 2. Nahmanides and His Library
Chapter 3. From Manuscript to Printing Press: The Library of Leone Modena
Chapter 4. The Modern Period: The Library of Rabbi Samson R. Hirsch
Chapter 5. The Library of Professor Harry Austryn Wolfson
Chapter 6. The Contemporary University Library
Part Two. From Text to Success: Salient Ideas and Values and Their Influence
Introduction
Chapter 7. Respect for Precedent and Critical Independence
Chapter 8. Logical Reasoning and Intellectual Honesty in Pursuit of Truth
Chapter 9. The Primacy of Education
Chapter 10. A Purposeful Life
Chapter 11. Summary and Conclusions
Note on Translations
Appendix: Maps
Illustration Credits
Authors' Biographies
Endnotes
About the author
Alan Kadish, MD, is President of Touro College and University System, the largest Jewish-sponsored educational institution in the United States. Before succeeding Dr. Bernard Lander as Tourös second president in March 2010, Dr. Kadish distinguished himself as a prominent cardiologist, dedicated teacher and researcher, and experienced administrator. A graduate of Columbia College, the Albert Einstein College of Medicine at Yeshiva University, Dr. Kadish received postdoctoral training at the Brigham and Women¿s Hospital and at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. He has published over 280 peer-reviewed papers, received numerous grants, including from the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation, and contributed to several textbooks. Dr. Kadish has published articles on the nexus between science and religion.
Rabbi Dr. Michael A. Shmidman is Dean and Victor J. Selmanowitz Professor of Jewish History at Touro Graduate School of Jewish Studies and Editor of Touro University Press. He received his PhD from Harvard University and his MA from Hebrew University, and has published and lectured extensively in the areas of medieval Jewish history and Maimonidean studies. Dr. Shmidman also served as Rabbi of Congregation Keter Torah in Teaneck, New Jersey and as Editor of
Tradition:
A Journal of Orthodox Jewish Thought.
Dr. Simcha Fishbane is a Professor of Jewish Studies in the Graduate School of Jewish Studies at Touro College, New York. He has published extensively on Jewish subjects and texts. Dr. Fishbane¿s publications include
Deviancy in Early Rabbinic Literature (2007),
The Boldness of an Halakhist (2008),
The Shtiebelization of Modern Jewry (2011),
The Impact of Culture and Cultures Upon Jewish Customs and Rituals (2016), and
The Rabbinic Discussion about Bat Mitzvah Celebrations (2017).
Summary
The Jewish intellectual tradition has a long and complex history that has resulted in significant and influential works of scholarship. In this book, the authors suggest that there is a series of common principles that can be extracted from the Jewish intellectual tradition that have broad, even life-changing, implications for individual and societal achievement. These principles include respect for tradition while encouraging independent, often disruptive thinking; a precise system of logical reasoning in pursuit of the truth; universal education continuing through adulthood; and living a purposeful life. The main objective of this book is to understand the historical development of these principles and to demonstrate how applying them judiciously can lead to greater intellectual productivity, a more fulfilling existence, and a more advanced society.
Additional text
“From tenured professorships to nobel prizes, Jews have excelled in all manor of scholarship. Many authors have explored where this dedication to learning comes from—The Jewish Intellectual Tradition: A History of Learning and Achievement by Alan Kadish, Michael Shmidman, and Simcha Fishbane is another important voice in the conversation. … The three authors present the information thoughtfully, building a robust bookshelf before their readers’ eyes. The book serves as a helpful teaching tool because of its shortened explanations of mystical texts, and early modern trends—like the birth of Reform Judaism—that educators may find useful. As a whole, it’s a helpful introduction, not only to Jewish thought, but to Jewish history and literature.”
—Rabbi Marc Katz, Jewish Book Council
