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Title: Jewish Religious Law: A Progressive Perspective (Progressive Judaism Today) by John D. Rayner ISBN: 1-57181-976-2 Publisher: Berghahn Books Pub. Date: December, 1998 Format: Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $15.50

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Average Customer Rating: 5 (1 review)

Rating: 5
Summary: Highly recommended reading for all Jewish denominations!
Comment: If you are interested in how Progressive Judaism relates back to Traditional (Orthodox) Judaism, then this book is for you. Rabbi Rayner initially speaks about Jewish history, the build up to the present state of Traditional Judaism and the need for an 'updated' Halachah (Traditional Rabbinic Law) for the modern times.

The author argues that Progressive Jews cannot disconnect themselves from their roots and their traditions entirely. He refers in particular to 'Halachah'. He mentions that there are those that try to discount Halachah entirely from their Progressive Jewish lives and there are those who use only the parts of Halachah that suit them. Rabbi Rayner on the other hand believes that a brand new Halachah: "Progressive Halachah" is the answer.

He outlines a number of ways in which Progressive Jews may succeed in creating a Progressive Halachah. He emphasises the need to consult the traditional Halachah at every step. However, if a particular law totally goes against modern moral precepts, (as is often the case with women's equality, sacrificial law etc.) then that particular component must be 'updated'. He suggests that along with Halachists and Theologians, those involved in secular disciplines including Science, Medicine etc. should be consulted when updating certain parts of the law. He continues to say that Progressive Halachah would by no means be final, but will always be subject to alteration by subsequent generations. Finally, it will offer guidance rather than legislation. Rabbi Rayner also points out the many instances where traditional Halachah is still valid today, and empahasises the fact that Rabbinic law and literature is one of the most comprehensive works in history.

He goes on to say that the main flaw in the traditional view of Halachah is the fact that those who espouse it (The Orthodox) believe that it, along with the Torah (the Pentateuch) and the rest of the Bible is given from heaven. He continues to say that this is the main reason why Orthodox law has become so rigid and cannot be easily updated. Progressive Judaism on the other hand acknowledges the divine message within scripture but also realises the "human" aspect contained therein. There are many contradictions and many acts of God that seem extremely barbaric that have to be attributed to human falibility. For a more comprehensive look at who wrote the Bible, I refer interested readers to: "Who wrote the Bible?" by Richard Elliot Friedman.

In summary, this book does an excellent job in dispelling the myth that Progressive Judaism has no direction and has no regards for tradition. Rabbi Rayner's innovative ideas, emphasising the need for a Progressive Halachah are very inspiring.