Halakhic Man is the classic work of modern Jewish and religious though by the twentieth century's preeminent Orthodox Jewish theologian and talmudic scholar. It is a profound excursion into religious psychology and phenomenology, a pioneering attempt at a philosophy of halakhah, and a stringent critique of mysticism and romantic religion.
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 5.0 / 5.0
A Less Complex Discussion of a More Complex Topic.....:
As other reviewers have stated, this is not a simple text. Nonetheless, for anyone who cares about understanding Judaism, it is an essential text--and I mean that in all of its implications. This book is especially a must-read for those who consider themselves serious-minded about being Jewish, and yet have decided (without really understanding a thing about the subject) that it is advisable to advocate a Judaism devoid of Halakhic thought and practice--devoid of the hundreds of rituals and obligatory... more info
Utterly outstanding!:
Get ready to be challenged to a strata of thinking rarely encountered. Rabbi Soloveitchik inspired me to live a better life, as well as to quit smoking. However, unless you are extremely well versed in metaphysics as well as wordly and religous philosophy get out your dictionary and keep it close by, you will need it. The frustration of having to look up and determine "what he means by that choice of word" is worth every effort. It is difficult for me to express how deeply moved at times I was while... more info
The brilliance of R' Soloveitchik:
This work, translated from the Hebrew, "Ish Ha-Halakha" is a masterpiece. It draws from many different wellsprings of knowledge, including everything from the Torah and scriptures to the Talmud. It is presented beautifully; each word is specifically and carefully chosen. For some, this book may be difficult to read, as the prose waxes philisophical and very descriptive, and oftentimes one needs to make connections within one's own mind. The basic premise of this work, in its simplest form, is to... more info
The central statement of a giant of Jewish thought:
This is from the book- jacket."A profound excursion into religious psychology and phenomenology; a pioneering attempt at a philosophy of Halkhah ; a stringent critique of mysticism and romantic religion-allheld together by the force of the author's highly personal vision. Exuding intellectual sophistication and touching upon issues fundamental to religious life, Rabbi Soloveitchik's exploration, in sum, seeks to explain the inner world of the Talmudist-or as he is referred to typologically,halakhic man in... more info
