Tradition in an Untraditional Age, first published in 1990, explores the challenges of secularisation, assimilation and antisemitism, through analyses of thinkers including R. Samson Raphael Hirsch, R. Moses Sofer, R. Abraham Isaac Kook, R. Joseph Soloveitchik, Franz Rosenzweig and Martin Buber, as well as studies of topics including the Holocaust, Jewish-Christian dialogue, Jewish economic ethics and religious alienation and return. It also sets out an agenda for future Jewish thought.

It is commonly asserted that Maimonides' famous Thirteen Principles are the last word in Orthodox Jewish theology. This is a very popular notion, and is often repeated by scholars from all camps in Judaism. Yet such a position ignores the long history of Jewish theology in which Maimonides' Principles have been subject to great dispute. The book begins with a discussion of the significance of the Principles and illustrates how they assumed such a central place in traditional Judaism. Each principle is then considered in turn: the reasons underlying Maimonides' formulations are expounded and the disputes that have arisen concerning them are discussed in detail. Marc B. Shapiro's authoritative analysis makes it quite clear that the notion that Maimonides' Principles are the last word in traditional Jewish theology is a misconception, and that even Maimonides himself was not fully convinced of every aspect of his formulations. Although structured around Maimonides' Principles, this book can also be seen as an encyclopedia of traditional Jewish thought concerning the central issues of Jewish theology. The diversity of opinion in Jewish tradition on such issues as God, Creation, and the Revelation of the Torah is sure to surprise readers.

F or several decades, informed readers sought out Rabbi Berel Wein'sopinion column in his weekly Destiny Foundation blog, in the Jerusalem Post, and other publications to gain his perspective on current issues. Theproducts of his highly educated and sensitive mind, the essays were uniquely"Wein"- always original, always refreshing in their candor, and subtly thought provoking. Who else could experience uplift from an orchid plant or discover thecore values of the Jewish nation in the words of Israel's taxi drivers?His sweeping gaze simultaneously takes in past, present, and future.Continually aware of history and its impact on today's events, he looks at anempty field in the Land of Israel and sees not only the farmer with his plow today,but one who worked the same land two thousand years ago. And with heartfeltfaith and a vibrant awareness of ancient prophecy, he envisions those who willharvest that field in the future. In this troubled, insecure age of ours, he provesthat one can, one must, be a realist and an optimist at the same time.The best of these valuable essays have been collected for this volume. If youare fan of Rabbi Wein's writing, you will feel as though you are encountering anold friend. If you are not already familiar with Rabbi Wein's take on life, you are infor a treat.