As its title indicates, this volume deals with several major themes in the modern philosophies of Judaism as they emerge from some of the key writings of the authors discussed.
The analysis is critical. I believe that in my criticism I have given illustrative expression to the conviction that at this time we have neither a theology nor a philosophy of Judaism that does justice to the essential nature of Jewish teaching about God, man, and the universe as expressed in the classical sources of Judaism, nor one that can be maintained with contemporary philosophical validity.
In my opinion, we have reached a stage that requires a great deal of rethinking of the nature of the Jewish position in the history of human thought and commitment in the light of contemporary philosophical problematics and existential experience. Judaism is awaiting a reformulation of its theology and philosophy. It will, however, be accomplished by means of an intellectual strength that draws its creative inspiration as well as its contents from the classical sources of Judaism—Bible, Talmud, and Midrash.
The chapter on Buber was previously published by Yeshiva University, New York, in 1962, under the title, A Jewish Critique of the Philosophy of Martin Buber. The critique of Reconstructionism appeared in Tradition, in the Fall, 1959 issue, under the title, “Reconstructionist Theology.” The essay on Heschel was also published by Tradition, in the Spring-Summer issue of 1964. The essay, “Faith and Law” was previously published in Judaism, in the Fall issue, 1964. Our thanks are offered to the publishers for their kind permission to reprint these essays in their present form.
ELIEZER BERKOVITS
The Hebrew Theological College
Hol Hamoed Succot, 5734