Challenging Assumptions

An Exploration Of Halachic Issues Pertaining To American Jewry, The Synagogue, And Beyond Does Judaism promote patriotism? Should congregations reduce the length of their prayers? Does the Torah believe in absolute gender norms? Based on traditional sources, this book addresses contemporary issues facing Jewish society. Distilling both the halachic and philosophical considerations, the author challenges readers’ assumptions and provides the critical observer with a Torah prism for approaching today’s burning questions. “Clear, cogent, and compelling …a real contribution to the world of Torah scholarship.” Rabbi Dr. Jacob J. Schacter, Yeshiva University “A halachic narrative where the reader can see the vast background material that touches on the issues at hand… The learned individual will appreciate the wide range of sources. The novice will develop an appreciation for the halachic process and all the considerations that go into arriving at a final p’sak.” Rabbi Ezra Schwartz, Ra