Formulating Responses in an Egalitarian Age [Paperback]

This collection of essays is required reading for anyone interested in questions relating to the tension and confrontations that can arise between the spiritual and moral values inherent in human equality and the sometimes seemingly contradictory demands of halakha.At first glance, Orthodox Judaism may not seem compatible with the prevailing world view of egalitarianism, regardless of race, gender or religion. But modern Orthodox Jews share an appreciation for egalitarianism as a positive moral value, and do not simply dismiss this contemporary ethos as incompatible with their faith. This collection of essays from leading Orthodox scholars in the field, explores the affinities and disaffinities between egalitarianism and Jewish tradition.At first glance, Orthodox Judaism is not compatible with the prevailing world view of equal treatment for all people, regardless of their race, gender or religion. But modern Orthodox Jews share the sense that egalitarianism is a positive moral value, so they cannot simply dismiss this contemporary ethos as incompatible with their faith. In a range of ways and variety of perspectives from the leading Orthodox scholars in the field, this collection of essays explores the affinities and disaffinities between egalitarianism and Jewish tradition.Chapter 1 Egalitarianism And Halacha: An Introduction Chapter 2 Formulating Responses in an Egalitarian Age: An Overview Chapter 3 Formulating Responses in an Egalitarian Age: An Overview Chapter 4 Jews, Gentiles and the Modern Egalitarian Ethos: Some Tentative Thoughts Chapter 5 Jewish Law and American Public Policy: A Principled Jewish View & Some Practical Jewish Observations Chapter 6 Changing Conceptions of Gentiles at the Threshold of Modernity: The Napoleonic Sanhedrin Chapter 7 Jews and Judaism in an Egalitarian Society: Traditionalist Responses in Historical Perspective Chapter 8 Modern Orthodox Jewish Day Schools and Non-Jews Chapter 9 Re-Committing To Our Mission: How Hard An Endl±