In this thoroughly researched volume, Aaron Panken has uncovered the methods of development employed by the sages of Jewish law in the Talmudic period and the ongoing response of halakhah to changing circumstances and conditions. The volume is marked by careful scholarship and objectivity and is an important contribution to the history of Jewish law. -- Lawrence H. Schiffman, Ethel and Irvin A. Edelman Professor of Hebrew and Judaic Studies, New York University
Aaron Panken's book illustrates the value of approaching rabbinic literature through its discrete documents rather than as an undifferentiated corpus of writing. His thoughtful analyses demonstrate that even the terminology of the halakhah is affected-perhaps even shaped-by the document in which it appears. This is an important finding. Serious students of rabbinic Judaism will benefit from working through the materials and arguments of this learned book. -- William Scott Green, Professor of Religion and Philip S. Bernstein Professor of Judaic Studies, University of Rochester
In this erudite and remarkably comprehensive study of legal change in classical rabbinic literature, Aaron Panken makes a signal contribution to our knowledge of Jewish law and its development throughout the Talmudic period of Jewish history. Panken surveys the entire corpus of Tannaitic and Amoraic sources relevant to his topic, and employs philosophical and literary theory to frame his analysis of texts. His absolute command of the secondary literature on the topic gives this book an added depth andutility, and this book constitutes a most important addition to scholarship in the field. Students of classical rabbinic literature, of comparative law in the Ancient Near East, and of post-Talmudic Jewish jurisprudence will find this book an absolute treasure-trove for their own study and reflection. Aaron Panken is to be congratulated for this masterful study. -- Rabbi David Ellenson, President, Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion
In this erudite and remarkably comprehensive study of legal change in classical rabbinic literature, Aaron Panken makes a signal contribution to our knowledge of Jewish law and its development throughout the Talmudic period of Jewish history. Panken surveys the entire corpus of Tannaitic and Amoraic sources relevant to his topic, and employs philosophical and literary theory to frame his analysis of texts. His absolute command of the secondary literature on the topic gives this book an added depth and utility, and this book constitutes a most important addition to scholarship in the field. Students of classical rabbinic literature, of comparative law in the Ancient Near East, and of post-Talmudic Jewish jurisprudence will find this book an absolute treasure-trove for their own study and reflection. Aaron Panken is to be congratulated for this masterful study. -- Rabbi David Ellenson, President, Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion
