The Great Principle of the Torah: Examining Seven Talmudic Claims to the Defining Principles of Judaism

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.