Description
Book SynopsisAnalyses the writings of Rabbi Yechiel Mechel Halevi Epstein (1829–1908), author of the Arukh Hashulkhan, a bold and unusual approach to Jewish law. Based primarily on the original text of Rabbi Epstein's legal codes and homilies, this work covers topics such as women, modernity, customs, and secular studies. It analyses the rabbi's approach to Jewish law and Jewish life, designed to promote the spiritual welfare of Jews under the pressures of growing secularisation and Russification. Although based upon the principles of the traditional judicial process, the rabbi’s rulings demonstrate a profound understanding of the contemporary social and historical reality facing the Jews of Russia at the turn of the century.
Trade Review"Professor Fishbane’s collection of studies focusing upon AHS as well as other writings of Epstein is for that reason a welcome addition to the library of research into recent halakhic literature...Those interested in the history of contemporary halakhic literature and culture owe him a debt of thanks, and all subsequent studies of Epstein and AHS will of necessity engage with this book." -- Mark Washofsky * H-NET Review *
Table of ContentsPreface. Introduction by Ira Robinson. 1. Rabbi Yechiel Mechel Halevi Epstien: His Life and Works. 2. "Long Live the Tsar": Rabbi Yechiel Mechel Epstein and the Russian Political System. 3. "Today Not Yesteryear": Rabbi Y.M. Epstein's Adjudicative Process as Expressed in the Arukh Hashulhan. 4. "In Any Case There are no Sinful Thoughts": The Role and Status of Women in Jewish Law as Expressed in the Arukh Hashulhan. 5. The Courage of a Religious Adjudicator: Rabbi Yechiel Mechel Epstein and Modernity. 6. "Mercy is Vouchsafed from Heaven": Halakhah's Response to Violence as Expressed in the Arukh Hashulhan Orakh Hayyim. 7. "Secular Studies are the Supplement of Torah Studies" : Kol Ben Levi- The Homilies of Rabbi Yechiel Mechel Halevi Epstein - The First Sermon. 8. Recurrent Themes in the Homilies of Rabbi Yechiel Mechel Halevi Epstein. 9. Social Reality or the Written Word: Minhag as Expressed in the Arukh Hashulhan. Appendix. Bibliography. Index.
