Halakhic Man Paperback – Special Edition, December 1, 1984

Everyone should read it

This is a very interesting take of the modern religious Jewish follower. It is a very Jewish book and does not have a universal message. It is amazingly written. It talks about the logic of following G-d’s Commandments and the beauty behind it. Todays Orthodox Jews get stuck behind the draconian laws, and forget there is a special spiritual reason behind them. That is the takeaway message. In a day where religious practice is under scrutiny, R. Soloveitchik brings to the reader the inner joy of following Halacha. Enjoy!!!

The name Halakha is derived from the Hebrew word halakh (הָלַךְ), which means, “to go.” Ultimately, it functions as a guide to every aspect of the life of a Jew based on religious laws that have been derived from the Torah. These laws, known as mitzvah (מִצְוָה), were given to the Jews at Mt. Sinai as commandments directly from G-d. These laws, and their modern additions, define what living means for a Jew. Therefor, every mitzvah is a demonstration of the Halakhic man’s commitment as a Jew and his relationship with G-d, which leads to the best possible version of life as Jew, or beyond that, a human being.

Sacrifice, solitude and humility are all vagrant accomplices to this read. Herein we ponder thought and thinking, possibility to entelechy and a ruminative life based on Lithuanian religiosity, the Talmud and the corpus of Jewish Law, the Halakhah. Buy, leech wisdom, and pass forth via lips/deeds to trapped “dunkelheit” souls.

This short book explains Orthodox Judaism in a concise and thought provoking way. The argumentation is dense though so it is one of those books that would likely require rereading.

Book came quickly and was as advertised

Rabbi Soloveitchik is a unique and startling writer. What he's saying is right in front of you already, you just haven't listened to the tour guide enough. So you'll read it again and again. Wonderful book. Good price and delivery.

Always Good - even if you, lie me have been reading it for 30 years

Sets out a clear, original vision of what Judaism is really about, yet it is grounded in completely traditional sources. Highly recommended for anyone unafraid of a sophisticated understanding of the importance and primacy of Jewish law in Jewish life.