Dynamics of Continuity and Change in Jewish Religious Life / Simcha Fishbane, Eric Levine.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Fishbane, Simcha, author.

Contributor:

Fishbane, Simcha, Editor.

Levine, Eric, Editor.

Series:

Touro University Press

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Judaism--21st century.

Judaism.

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

Jews.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (337 pages) : illustrations

Place of Publication:

Boston, MA : Academic Studies Press, [2018]

Language Note:

In English.

Summary:

While the oft-"ed 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.

Contents:

Frontmatter

Table of Contents

Contributors

Preface and Acknowledgments

Introduction: Movements, Institutions and Organizations: Mobilizing for Religious Change / Levine, Eric

Part One. Continuity and Change: Explorations in Contemporary Religious and Communal Life

No "Right" of Passage? The Rabbinic Dispute Regarding the Propriety of Bat Mitzvah Celebrations / Fishbane, Simcha

Globalization and Judaism / Goldscheider, Calvin

Part Two. Tradition and Transition: Historical Case Studies

The Comeback of "Simple Faith": The Ultra-Orthodox Concept of Faith and Its Development in the Nineteenth Century / Brown, Benjamin

Clerical Robes: Distinction or Dishonor? / Bleich, Judith

The Plight of the Agunah: The Proposal of the Union des Rabbins Français / Kaplan, Zvi Jonathan

Changes in the Circle of Relatives for Whom One Was Required to Mourn: A Sociological Analysis of Talmudic Sources / Rubin, Nissan

Part Three. The Challenges of Modern Medicine: Halachic and Ethical Responses

The Rabbinic Response to Modern Medicine: Two Types of Piety / Kadish, Alan

Family Member's Presence at a Seriously Ill Patient's Bedside: May Sabbath Prohibitions be Overridden? / Mor, Pnina / Greenberger, Chaya

Index

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Description based on online resource; title from PDF title page (publisher's Web site, viewed 21. Dez 2019)

ISBN:

1-61811-714-9

OCLC:

1135593019