Evolving Halakhah: A Progressive Approach to Traditional Jewish Law

by Moshe Zemer

Evolving Halakhah affirms the system of traditional Jewish law, halakhah, as a developing and moral structure, flexible enough to accommodate the changing realities of each generation. In this accessible analysis of halakhah, Moshe Zemer issues a clarion call to follow the ancient and modern principles of evolving halakhah, which demands ethical deeds, the discovery of holiness in the Commandments, a critical approach to the Tradition, and responsibility of the entire Community of Israel. These principles are viewed as the framework in which the other commandments are applied.
It shows that the traditional framework for understanding the Torah's commandments can be the living heart of Jewish life for all Jews - including Reform, Reconstructionist, Conservative, and Modern Orthodox.

Genres: Judaism, Jewish, Judaica

480 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1999

About the author

Rabbi Dr. Moshe Zemer.

Reviews

[Amitai Adler · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent presentation of some key halakhic precedents and methodologies, despite occasionally being a little too Reform for my tastes.

[Jim Talbott]

I really liked this book. Though Zemer is a reform rabbi, there is much of the historical positivist about his essential framework.