The Great Principle of the Torah (Hardcover)

“The book belongs in every Jewish high school and middle school library as well as in the synagogue; it is a goldmine for creating lesson plans and homiletic materials.” —  Dr. Alan Brill, Nov. 7, 2016

What are the “meta-values” of Judaism? Jewish tradition is rich with analysis of every topic imaginable, from major philosophical issues like belief in God and questions of good and evil, to detailed analyses about the finer points of Jewish practice. However it sometimes goes unnoticed that many Rabbis of the Talmud and Midrash have sought to explore how those sets of practices and beliefs cohere into a whole as a unit.

The Great Principle of the Torah comes to analyze several of those claims and how the traditional and modern commentators interpreted those positions. This volume explores how those values interconnect, as well as their points of divergence. It is the ideal book for someone who is looking for a big picture perspective on what Judaism represents, as well as seeking to understand the rich diversity of opinion within the authentic Jewish tradition.

About the Author

Rabbi Jack Bieler founded Kemp Mill Synagogue in Silver Spring, MD in 1990, where he served as spiritual leader until his retirement in 2015. He received ordination from Yeshiva University where he also earned an MA in Jewish Education (1974). He was a member of the faculty of Yeshivat Ramaz and the Berman Hebrew Academy, and taught in adult education programs in New York and Silver Spring. He has published numerous papers and articles about Jewish education and the issues facing Judaism today. Rabbi Bieler and his wife, Dr. Joan, have four children and nine grandchildren.