Revitalizing Torah Theology
Revitalizing Classical (non-Kabbalistic) Torah Theology
In the last few hundred years, it appears there has occurred an increasing emphasis on esoteric Kabbalistic theologies, theologies that most intelligent Jews cannot effectively comprehend. During this time certain classical (non-Kabbalistic) Torah theologies seem to have become neglected or sometimes even suppressed.
The Daf Yomi review website contains English translations with commentaries of all the “shaarim” (Gates) of the Torah classic Chovos HaLevavos (Duties of the Heart), written by Rabeinu Bahya ibn Paquda in the 11th century C.E.
The first gate of Chovos HaLevavos, known as Shaar HaYichud, contains a very clear and rational explanation of classical Torah theology. The English translation of Shaar HaYichud posted on the dafyomireview site also contains very useful translations of some of the major rabbinic commentaries written on Shaar HaYichud.
In my opinion the concepts explained in ShaarHaYichud are essential to understanding Torah theology and have not been superceded by later Kabbalistic writings.
Revitalizing Torah Theology
Suggested Torah Sites
Chovot HaLevavot - Duties of the Heart
Facebook Group for Torah Metaphysics
Torah Metaphysics Book
Torah Metaphysics is a new book intended to present brief discussions of “classical” concepts in Torah theology and cosmology that have often been ignored in Torah observant communities in recent centuries.
Such “classical” (and essential) Torah concepts as “yichud Hashem”, creation ex-nihilo, unity of Torah and science, and man’s free will, etc. are too often being ignored in Torah observant communities.
Or we sometimes observe erroneous materialist/atheist doctrines such as Neo-Darwinism being artificially grafted onto classical Judaism.
This new book, available on Amazon, attempts to present "classical" Torah viewpoints on the above issues. (Note: The paperback version is about 173 6x9 pages. The number of pages displayed on the Amazon site may be inaccurate.)
