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  • Book
  • © 2021

Covenant and the Jewish Conversion Question

Extending the Thought of Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik

Palgrave Macmillan

Authors:

  1. Benji Levy

    1. Jerusalem, Israel

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  • Applies the thought of Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik to the ever present debate on Jewish conversion

  • Provides close readings of rabbinic philosophical and legal sources

  • Offers an account of the primary priorities of Jewish conversion today

Part of the book series: Jewish Thought and Philosophy (JTP)

Sections

eBook USD 79.99
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  • ISBN: 978-3-030-80145-8
  • Instant PDF download
  • Readable on all devices
  • Own it forever
  • Exclusive offer for individuals only
  • Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout
Softcover Book USD 99.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
Hardcover Book USD 139.99
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Table of contents (10 chapters)

  1. Front Matter

    Pages i-viii
    PDF

  2. Introduction

    • Benji Levy
    Pages 1-32

  3. Dual Covenants and Jewish Identity

    • Benji Levy
    Pages 33-56

  5. Conversion Rituals

    • Benji Levy
    Pages 89-110

  6. Converts, Courts, and Conviction

    • Benji Levy
    Pages 111-135

  8. Covenantal Influence on Conversion

    • Benji Levy
    Pages 155-178

  9. The Israel Factor

    • Benji Levy
    Pages 179-221

  10. Conversion and the Future of Israel

    • Benji Levy
    Pages 223-245

  11. Conclusion

    • Benji Levy
    Pages 247-251

  12. Back Matter

    Pages 253-295
    PDF
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About this book

Covenant and the Jewish Conversion Question reevaluates conversion and Jewish identity through the lens of Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik’s dual conception of the Covenants of Fate and Destiny. By studying an array of key rabbinic texts through this lens, the book explores the boundaries and interplay between these biblical covenants through apostasy, holiness and the key elements relating to conversion law. This understanding provides a relevant framing device to deal with the conversion and Jewish identity crises faced in the State of Israel and beyond.

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Keywords

  • soloveitchik
  • kol dodi dofek
  • israel
  • conversion
  • gerut
  • giyur
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Reviews

Levy offers the most lucid account yet of a path that moves beyond an all or nothing, or strict or lenient, approach to the halakhic, theological and political conundrums of conversion in Israel today. This deeply learned study, that skillfully combines historical, theological, and legal research and learning, is profoundly
relevant to anyone interested in what it means to be a Jew in the 21st century.”
— Leora Batnitzky, Ronald O. Perelman Professor of Jewish Studies and Professor of Religion, Princeton University, USA

“An illuminating and important contribution to the field. Levy is extremely articulate, and the book is a joy to read. Lay readers, rabbis, Jewish communal professionals and academics of all disciplines will be intrigued by and learn from this book. I know I did.”
— David Ellenson, Professor Emeritus of Near Eastern and Judaic Studies, Brandeis University, USA

“This highly creative, deeply thoughtful, impressively learned and clearly argued book combines both the academic and real world in constructing a broader, more dynamic and inclusive, definition of Jewish identity while remaining faithful to the millennia old religious tradition. Levy’s original perspective deserves careful
consideration by all those struggling with this challenge.”
— Jacob J. Schacter, University Professor of Jewish History and Jewish Thought, Yeshiva University, USA

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Access via your institution
eBook USD 79.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • ISBN: 978-3-030-80145-8
  • Instant PDF download
  • Readable on all devices
  • Own it forever
  • Exclusive offer for individuals only
  • Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout
Softcover Book USD 99.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
Hardcover Book USD 139.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
Learn about institutional subscriptions