Skip to product information
1 of 1

Book Reviews

Regular price $3.00
Regular price Sale price $3.00
Sale Sold out
Shipping calculated at checkout.

Simon Greenberg's ambitious attempt to revive classical philosophy through Jewish thought in "A Jewish Philosophy and Pattern of Life" (1981) succeeds in illuminating the emotional dimensions of Judaism often overlooked by scholars, yet stumbles on key methodological grounds. Through analysis of Greenberg's philosophical approach and detailed examination of chapters on death, Conservative Judaism, and Jewish law, the review reveals both the work's considerable strengths and significant limitations. While Greenberg offers insightful accounts of Jewish philosophy and practice, his framework falters when establishing decision-making criteria and authority in Jewish law. His distinction between "perfect" Jewish beliefs and "excellent" Jewish practices lacks sufficient comparative analysis to support such categorical claims. Similarly, though Greenberg attempts to integrate Jewish and American ideological traditions throughout the work, he provides no systematic methodology for resolving conflicts between these worldviews. Despite these methodological shortcomings, the work's breadth and moral sensitivity substantially outweigh its weaknesses, presenting readers with a comprehensive philosophy that captures the complexity of Jewish experience. Greenberg's evident religious and moral sensitivity permeates the text, resulting in a thought-provoking contribution to Jewish philosophical discourse.

View full details
  • Physical Description

  • Publication Information

    Published 1983-1984

    ISBN

  • Publication Credits