When approaching the philosophy of Maimonides, we mustn’t forget that the great follower of Aristotle was “also” a rabbi. So cautions Menachem Kellner, by way of profiling and praising the new translation of the “Guide to the Perplexed” by Lenn Goodman and Philip Lieberman. The new work is destined to supplant the longtime standard English version by Shlomo Pines. In drawing comparisons between the two editions Kellner shows how the Guide guides one to the proper worship God.
TRADITION’s seasonal roundup of noteworthy new titles in Jewish studies and learning, with offerings on Freud’s Jewish reception, more Rav Kook treasures translated, guides to the Guide, Siddur, Isaiah, and more….
A slew of surveys support the idea that post-October 7 we are witnessing a great “coming together” of the worldwide Jewish community. And not a moment too soon! During this season of the “three weeks” Jewish unity is certainly the order of the day. Chaim Strauchler considers whether this moment of unity reflects a new common Orthodox marketplace of consumers, students, and donors in this week’s Tradition Questions.
The Tradition Podcast discusses Gidon Rothstein’s thoughtful and sensitive review of Elisha Aviner’s “Dor Tahpukhot” and its advice to parents whose children have left the fold. Joining Jeffrey Saks to discuss the issue, Rothstein considers the book’s very specifically Israeli focus, and how its lessons might be adapted – or not – for an American audience.