Philosophy refers to the study of questions such as faith, reason, knowledge, and existence. Jewish philosophy encompasses generations of books devoted to such topics, as well as parts of biblical and rabbinic literature that incorporate discussions of these topics among other focuses.
Notable Sources
All Sources
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Divine Omniscience and Human Free WillMISHNAH
Divine Omniscience and Human Free Will
MISHNAH
Pirkei Avot addresses the profound philosophical question of how divine omniscience can coexist with human free will. This tractate of the Mishnah, known for its ethical teachings, asserts that while everything is foreseen by God, humans still possess the freedom to choose their actions.
Divine Determinism and Human AccountabilityTALMUD
Divine Determinism and Human Accountability
TALMUD
If human actions are ultimately determined by God's will, can individuals truly be held accountable for their deeds? The Talmudic tractate Bava Batra explores Job's argument that God, having created both righteous and wicked people, directs all actions.
Socrates and Terah's WisdomSECOND TEMPLE
Socrates and Terah's Wisdom
SECOND TEMPLE
Philo of Alexandria draws a fascinating comparison between Socrates and Terah, elevating Terah as a symbol of self-knowledge itself. Philo, a 1st-century Hellenistic Jewish philosopher, harmonizes Jewish scripture with Greek philosophy, offering unique insights into moral knowledge.
The Limits of 'I-Thou' in Practical ContextsJEWISH THOUGHT
The Limits of 'I-Thou' in Practical Contexts
JEWISH THOUGHT
Eliezer Berkovits critiques Martin Buber's philosophy for failing to address the practical implications of economic and state systems, which often treat people as objects rather than subjects in mutual relationships. This text delves into the philosophical dichotomy of 'I-Thou' versus 'I-It' relationships, as proposed by Buber, and examines its limitations in real-world applications.
Charity as a Claim Against God's PerfectionREFERENCE
Charity as a Claim Against God's Perfection
REFERENCE
Human action and responsibility to improve the world, particularly through charity, can be seen as a deficiency in God's design. This text recounts a debate between Rabbi Akiba and the Roman governor Tyranos Rufus, explaining how the Jewish value of charity (tzedakah) aligns with God's perfection.
Divine Call to RepentanceCOMMENTARY
Divine Call to Repentance
COMMENTARY
God actively calls upon man to repent through various means, such as dreams and visitations of sickness and pain. Malbim, a 19th-century Jewish commentator, provides insights into the Book of Job, addressing theological questions about suffering and divine justice.
The Balance of Independence and InterdependenceJEWISH THOUGHT
The Balance of Independence and Interdependence
JEWISH THOUGHT
Human beings are inherently interdependent, and balancing independence with social connections is crucial. Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, in his modern commentary on the Passover Haggadah, draws on both Jewish and philosophical perspectives to illustrate this point.
Philosophy for AllCHASIDUT
Philosophy for All
CHASIDUT
Philosophical thinking is not limited to scholars; it is a universal activity that even young children engage in. Rebbe Nachman of Breslov, a prominent Hasidic master, offers insights into the nature of human thought and philosophy in his teachings.
The Essence of Divine AttributesJEWISH THOUGHT
The Essence of Divine Attributes
JEWISH THOUGHT
Understanding the nature of God's attributes is crucial for a deeper comprehension of Jewish theology. Rabbi Joseph Albo's 15th-century philosophical work, Sefer HaIkkarim, offers a nuanced approach to the negation of attributes in God, distinguishing between the negation of defects and the negation of perfections.
The Struggle for Genuine PietyMUSAR
The Struggle for Genuine Piety
MUSAR
The Sefer HaYashar addresses the decline in piety and the struggle of contemporary individuals to engage with profound religious texts due to their preoccupation with material desires and weakened reason. This 13th-century ethical and philosophical work emphasizes the need for sincere devotion and ethical conduct amidst the moral and spiritual challenges of its time.
Beyond Philosophy and ScienceHALAKHAH
Beyond Philosophy and Science
HALAKHAH
Religion transcends the realm of philosophy and science, exposing individuals to the majesty and mystery that surpasses rational understanding. Rabbi Sharon Shalom explores the unique religious and cultural practices of Ethiopian Jews, highlighting how their traditions align with and differ from mainstream Jewish Halakhah.
The Unique Will of the IsraelitesCHASIDUT
The Unique Will of the Israelites
CHASIDUT
Only humans, specifically Israelites, possess an internally originating will illuminated by divine light, setting them apart from the rest of the world. Rabbi Kalonymus Kalman Shapira’s Mevo HaShearim explores the mystical aspects of divine will and human uniqueness within the framework of Kabbalah.
The Mystical DistinctionKABBALAH
The Mystical Distinction
KABBALAH
The distinction between the Sefirot and the Eyn Sof is fundamental to understanding Jewish mysticism. In his Kabbalistic work, Moses Chaim Luzzatto (Ramchal) explores these mystical concepts, emphasizing the spiritual apprehension of the Sefirot and the unseeable essence of the Eyn Sof.
The Multifaceted SoulMIDRASH
The Multifaceted Soul
MIDRASH
The soul is not a monolithic entity but has multiple facets, each with its own unique characteristics and functions. The early medieval midrash, Bereshit Rabbah, delves into the five distinct names of the soul, offering a profound exploration of human spirituality.
The Thirteen Principles of FaithLITURGY
The Thirteen Principles of Faith
LITURGY
Maimonides' thirteen principles of faith have become a cornerstone of Jewish belief and are recited daily by many Jews. This text provides a clear and accessible formulation of these principles, which are essential to understanding Jewish theology and philosophy.
Faith in ActionGUIDES
Faith in Action
GUIDES
The Shema is not just a declaration of faith but a call to action, illustrating how abstract beliefs are made concrete through specific commandments. Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz, a modern Jewish thinker, explores the practical implications of the Shema, a central Jewish prayer from Deuteronomy.
The Search for MeaningTANAKH
The Search for Meaning
TANAKH
Kohelet embarks on a profound personal quest to understand the reasons behind various aspects of life. Ecclesiastes, one of the five megillot, explores the meaning of life, futility, and purpose, ultimately concluding that life's purpose is found in fearing God and adhering to God's laws.
The Oneness and Simplicity of GodJEWISH THOUGHT
The Oneness and Simplicity of God
JEWISH THOUGHT
Rambam asserts that any plurality in descriptions of God arises from His actions rather than His essence, emphasizing the absolute oneness and simplicity of God. In his 12th-century philosophical work, Rambam reconciles Aristotelian philosophy with the teachings of the Hebrew Bible.
The Love of WisdomCOMMENTARY
The Love of Wisdom
COMMENTARY
Understanding the etymology of 'philosophy' reveals its noble underpinnings. In his commentary, Israel ben Moshe HaLevi of Zamosc explains that 'philosopher' in Greek means 'one who loves wisdom,' and 'philosophy' is derived from this term.