Academic Studies Press The Jewish Intellectual Tradition: A History of Learning and Achievement (Judaism and Jewish Life Series)

The Jewish intellectual tradition has a long and complex history that has resulted in significant and influential works of scholarship. In this book, the authors suggest that there is a series of common principles that can be extracted from the Jewish intellectual tradition that have broad, even life-changing, implications for individual and societal achievement. These principles include respect for tradition while encouraging independent, often disruptive thinking; a precise system of logical reasoning in pursuit of the truth; universal education continuing through adulthood; and living a purposeful life. The main objective of this book is to understand the historical development of these principles and to demonstrate how applying them judiciously can lead to greater intellectual productivity, a more fulfilling existence, and a more advanced society. Review "Jewish intellectual tradition has produced unprecedented achievements and contributions to Jewish and non-Jewish culture throughout millennia. This rich and thoughtful book identifies the key principles inherent in this tradition and seeks to 'demonstrate how applying them judiciously' can benefit society at large… The authors exquisitely cover two thousand years of scholarship and achievement in multiple genres and fields." ―Diane Mizrachi, Charles E. Young Research Library, University of California Los Angeles, AJL Reviews (September / October 2021) "In this highly engaging and innovative work, [Kadish, Shmidman, Fishbane] try to identify what it is from the Jewish intellectual tradition that can be used for the betterment of people and society as a whole. The authors have isolated these principles, namely: respect for tradition while encouraging independent thinking; a precise system of logical reasoning in pursuit of the truth; and a universal and never-ending education. The book shows how these principles are fundamental to intellectual productivity, leading to making a better society. And the proof is in the Nobel Prizes and Fields Medals… The three authors, all scholars in their own right, have detailed this amazing intellectual tradition that should be a source of immense pride not to just every Jew but to every human being.” ― Ben Rothke, Jewish Press “From tenured professorships to nobel prizes, Jews have excelled in all manor of scholarship. Many authors have explored where this dedication to learning comes from―The Jewish Intellectual Tradition: A History of Learning and Achievement by Alan Kadish, Michael Shmidman, and Simcha Fishbane is another important voice in the conversation. … The three authors present the information thoughtfully, building a robust bookshelf before their readers’ eyes. The book serves as a helpful teaching tool because of its shortened explanations of mystical texts, and early modern trends―like the birth of Reform Judaism―that educators may find useful. As a whole, it’s a helpful introduction, not only to Jewish thought, but to Jewish history and literature.” ―Rabbi Marc Katz, Jewish Book Council About the Author Dr. Simcha Fishbane is a Professor of Jewish Studies in the Graduate School of Jewish Studies at Touro College, New York. He has published extensively on Jewish subjects and texts. Dr. Fishbane’s publications include Deviancy in Early Rabbinic Literature (2007); The Boldness of an Halakhist (2008); The Shtiebelization of Modern Jewry (2011); The Impact of Culture and Cultures Upon Jewish Customs and Rituals (2016); The Rabbinic Discussion about Bat Mitzvah Celebrations (2017); and The Jewish Intellectual Tradition: A History of Learning and Achievement (2021), co-authored with Alan Kadish and Michael A. Shmidman.