A Living Covenant: The Innovative Spirit in Traditional Judaism Paperback – February 1, 1998

So clear that even a Christian lay person (not clergy, not academic)could understand and enjoy reading it. While addressing and clarifying the issues of submission and personal authenticity in traditional Judaism, Dr. Hartman expanded my understanding of the same issues in contemporary Christian circles.

Rabbi David Hartman is a dying intellectual within Orthodox Judaism. So many rabbis have decided to abandon their hopes of ever creating a "Modern Orthodox" reality in America and worldwide. No longer are the great institutions like Yeshiva University, Rabbinical Council of America, and the like no longer defending their theology. In fact, many of their leadership officials have become defeatist about it and market it as an "approach" to becoming "more religious." Some have abandoned their previous stances causing friction in the congregations they serve.With this reality, Rabbi Hartman is like a breath of fresh air. His service within Judaism of helping others that share in his vision of creating a positively identified Jewish community that rejects the old "horse and buggy" approach of coercion and guilty is greatly needed. On top of this, his insistence of bringing a "theological humility" that comforts other Jews from other movements is also needed.Having said that, Rabbi Hartman's book is a summary of his theology. Quoting from other theorists as diverse as Erich Fromm and Spinoza (things one wouldn't find in Art Scroll), he begins affirm a positive approach to Orthodox Judaism that affirms both human potential and laity empowerment. No longer does the Jew need to fear modernity like they feared the Russian Czar.Despite the nobility of the concept and the power of his personality, I found his book to be a little lofty and somewhat loose ended, but this book is essential to begin the dialogue.

Very important history. Very well written important basic text

Rabbi David Hartman is so committed to exposing and trying to explain the dialectics in Judaism. One the one hand, there's G-d Who empowers his people with freedom and intellect, and on the other hand, G-d Who strikes fear and terror in the heart of man for seemingly no logical reason. David Hartman isn't a man of compromise. And by that I mean he doesn't compromise his rigorous, logical and intellectual challenges in order to blindly follow any denomination's party line.This is the best book I've read on the subject. I've literally taken notes on every page and enjoy every page as a treat. I've already bought 3 copies for people I care about. I am (noticeably) enthusiastic about this work.