MACMILLAN Covenant and the Jewish Conversion Question: Extending the Thought of Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik (Jewish Thought and Philosophy)

Covenant and the Jewish Conversion Question reevaluates conversion and Jewish identity through the lens of Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik’s dual conception of the Covenants of Fate and Destiny. By studying an array of key rabbinic texts through this lens, the book explores the boundaries and interplay between these biblical covenants through apostasy, holiness and the key elements relating to conversion law. This understanding provides a relevant framing device to deal with the conversion and Jewish identity crises faced in the State of Israel and beyond. Review Levy offers the most lucid account yet of a path that moves beyond an all or nothing, or strict or lenient, approach to the halakhic, theological and political conundrums of conversion in Israel today. This deeply learned study, that skillfully combines historical, theological, and legal research and learning, is profoundly relevant to anyone interested in what it means to be a Jew in the 21st century.” ― Leora Batnitzky, Ronald O. Perelman Professor of Jewish Studies and Professor of Religion, Princeton University, USA “An illuminating and important contribution to the field. Levy is extremely articulate, and the book is a joy to read. Lay readers, rabbis, Jewish communal professionals and academics of all disciplines will be intrigued by and learn from this book. I know I did.” ― David Ellenson, Professor Emeritus of Near Eastern and Judaic Studies, Brandeis University, USA “This highly creative, deeply thoughtful, impressively learned and clearly argued book combines both the academic and real world in constructing a broader, more dynamic and inclusive, definition of Jewish identity while remaining faithful to the millennia old religious tradition. Levy’s original perspective deserves careful consideration by all those struggling with this challenge.” ― Jacob J. Schacter, University Professor of Jewish History and Jewish Thought, Yeshiva University, USA From the Back Cover Covenant and the Jewish Conversion Question reevaluates conversion and Jewish identity through the lens of Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik’s dual conception of the Covenants of Fate and Destiny. By studying an array of key rabbinic texts through this lens, the book explores the boundaries and interplay between these biblical covenants through apostasy, holiness and the key elements relating to conversion law. This understanding provides a relevant framing device to deal with the conversion and Jewish identity crises faced in the State of Israel and beyond. About the Author Benji Levy is a founding partner of Israel Impact Partners, working with leading donors to optimize philanthropic projects. He is the former CEO of Mosaic United, the historic partnership between the State of Israel and leaders of global Jewry and he was Dean of Moriah College, one of the largest Jewish schools in the world. He completed rabbinic ordination at Yeshivat Har Etzion and a doctorate in philosophy from the University of Sydney, Australia.