Dynamics of continuity and change in Jewish religious life / Simcha Fishbane and Eric Levine, with [8 others].

Format:

Book

Contributor:

Alumni and Friends Memorial Book Fund.

Fishbane, Simcha, editor.

LeVine, Eric (Chef), editor.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Judaism--21st century.

Judaism.

Jews--Associations, institutions, etc--History--21st century.

Jews.

Associations, institutions, etc.

History.

Physical Description:

xvi, 321 pages ; 24 cm

Place of Publication:

New York, NY : Touro College Press, [2018]

Summary:

"While the oft-quoted saying "the more things change, the more they stay the same" seems to aptly describe the nature of social life, the reverse may be equally accurate: the more things stay the same, the more they change. Indeed, the recognized institutions of human society, of which religion is a primary example, are both sources of stability and continuity as well as innovation and change. The dynamics of Jewish religious continuity and change are presented in this book through a group of distinguished scholars from the fields of sociology, history, medicine, religion, and Jewish studies examining key cases and themes in religious life, emphasizing illustrations of the maintenance of tradition and facing of trends pressing for transformation. This volume demonstrates the importance of case studies and historical, ideological, and philosophical surveys in understanding the actions of individual, organizational or communal actors attempting to create, maintain, or disrupt religious institutions, across geographical boundaries and time frames. This research has the potential not only to positively affect scholarly discussions, but also to generate greater understanding and dialogue among those who study Jewish life and those who work in Jewish organizations and live and function in religious communities. Indeed, the book brings a sophisticated understanding of Jewish law, religious texts, communities and institutions, of the interplay of internal and external social and ideological forces, of the impact of organizations, and of the potential for individuals and groups to shape their religious environments"-- Provided by publisher.

Contents:

Introduction : Movements, institutions and organizations : mobilizing for religious change / Eric Levine

Continuity and change : Explorations in contemporary religious and communal life

No "Right" of Passage? : the Rabbinic dispute regarding the propriety of Bat Mitzvah celebrations / Simcha Pishbane

Globalization and Judaism / Calvin Goldscheider

Tradition and transition : Historical case studies

The comeback of "Simple Faith" : the Ultra-Orthodox concept of faith and its development in the nineteenth century / Benjamin Brown

Clerical robes : distinction or dishonor? / Judith Bleich

The plight of the Agunah : the proposal of the Union des Rabbins Pranfais / Zvi Jonathan Kaplan

Changes in the circle of relatives for whom one was required to mourn : a sociological analysis of Talmudic sources / Nissan Rubin

The challenges of modern medicine : Halachic and ethical responses

The Rabbinic response to modern medicine : two types of piety / Alan Kadish

Family member's presence at a seriously ill patient's bedside : may Sabbath prohibitions be overridden? / Pnina Mar and Chaya Greenberger.

Notes:

This volume is divided into three segments. Section I presents sociologically and anthropologically oriented analyses of contemporary and historical themes. Section II presents historical case studies of Jewish communities and their leaders debating religious change and the accommodation with outside society. Section III looks at halakhic and ethical issues emerging as a consequence of modern scientific advances, medical technology, and treatment.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Local Notes:

Acquired for the Penn Libraries with assistance from the Alumni and Friends Memorial Book Fund.

Other Format:

Online version: Dynamics of continuity and change in Jewish religious life.

ISBN:

9781618117137

1618117130

OCLC:

1004000915

Publisher Number:

99976964269