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Communications

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This communication presents Milton R. Konvitz's response to Arthur C. Blecher's review of "Judaism and Human Rights" published in Conservative Judaism's Winter 1974 issue. Konvitz systematically addresses four primary criticisms raised by the reviewer. First, he challenges Blecher's assertion regarding the absence of Jewish sources by noting that Jewish materials permeate the text through biblical passages and Jewish literature citations, while questioning what specific Jewish human rights documents could have been included alongside the U.S. Bill of Rights and U.N. Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Second, Konvitz defends his bibliography by explaining that his work represents the first book on Judaism and human rights, making it impossible to cite similar works of "primarily Jewish interest." Third, he refutes claims that he rejects the traditional concept of the Chosen People, asserting his interpretation remains consistent with rabbinical understanding as interpreted by Rab Saadia Gaon. Finally, Konvitz strongly contests accusations of secularism, emphasizing that his book features prominent Jewish scholars and arguing that Judaism requires no justification in secular or any other terms, positioning his work as Torah l'shmah—knowledge pursued for its intrinsic value.

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    Published 1974

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