Theology of the Oral Torah, The

By Jacob Neusner

Book Description

In this comprehensive exploration of Jewish theological thought, renowned scholar Jacob Neusner examines the profound spiritual framework that underlies rabbinic Judaism. Drawing from the vast collection of classical Jewish texts known as the Oral Torah, Neusner reveals how ancient rabbinical teachings form a coherent and rational theological system centered on a fundamental understanding of the Divine.

At the heart of this spiritual inquiry lies a compelling paradox that has shaped Jewish thought for centuries: how can God be simultaneously all-powerful yet merciful, absolute yet just? Neusner guides readers through the intricate ways that rabbinic literature grapples with this central tension, showing how generations of Jewish thinkers have worked to reconcile these seemingly contradictory divine attributes.

This scholarly work offers readers a window into the sophisticated theological reasoning that emerges from classical Jewish sources. Rather than presenting abstract concepts, Neusner demonstrates how the rabbis developed practical wisdom for understanding divine nature and human relationship with the sacred. The book reveals how this foundational proposition about God's unity and complexity generates the core questions that continue to drive Jewish spiritual reflection.

For those seeking to understand the intellectual and spiritual foundations of one of the world's major religious traditions, this work provides insight into how ancient wisdom addresses timeless questions about divine justice, mercy, and the nature of spiritual truth.