Jewish Post, Indianapolis, Marion County, 22 May 2002 — Page 15

Mav 22. 2002 NAT 11

Book Reviews

They disputed. You decide.

Reviewed by RABBI SAM SILVER One People, Two Worlds: A Reform Rabbi and an Orthodox Rabbi in Search of Common Ground. Schocken Books, New York. 313 pp. Why is this book about Judaism different from others? Because it is the first to bring together an Orthodox rabbi and a Reform rabbi in a series of exchanges. They were introduced by a mutual friend, lunched together, parried a bit and then agreed to put into writing their views and to appraise each other's views. The debaters are Rabbi Yosef Reinman, a Talmudic scholar, and Rabbi Ammiel Hirsch, executive director of the Association of Reform Rabbis, and a former tank commander for the Israel Defense Forces. For 20 months they exchanged e-mails, which they call postings, and the result is a scintillating literary feast. They agreed on some things: there is God, the Jewish people are special, and so is Eretz Israel. They agreed to disagree agreeably. And although they indulge in some strong assaults on each other's ideas, they remain cordial. They agree on Zionism, but Reinman (Dear Yosef) is not enamored of the State of Israel. It's too secular for his taste. Hirsch (Dear Ammi) delivers a panegyric on the union between the Holy One and the Holy Land. But he fears that if Yosef's views would be adopted, the country would become a theocracy instead of a democracy. Yosef differs. He believes the country should honor the Sabbath and the dietary laws, but he quotes Israeli officials as saying that thousands of Russian gentiles have been admitted to the country so that it should become more secularized. Ammi tells Yosef he can't accept the Bible literally. He cannot accept Yosef's views that the Bible and the Oral Law (later written out) were transmitted by the Almighty at Sinai. He cites contradictions in the Bible, such as the "two Creation stories." Yosef counters by saying there's only one. At first it is stated that God created the man and the woman and later it gives particulars, including the account of Eve being formed from Adam's rib.

Ammi deplores the denigration of women in the Bible and in the Talmud (with which he is extremely knowledgeable). Yosef replies that Orthodoxy asserts that the two are equal. The husband is the minister of external affairs of the home and the wife is in charge of internal affairs. Ammi points out the changes that took place in Jewish history. Slavery and polygamy were once sanctioned. They no longer are. Capital punishment, once allowed, is now disapproved. We no longer bum witches or slay the disobedient son. Yosef says these changes are minor. But the basic beliefs of Judaism have endured over the centuries. He, therefore, declares that Reform is out of the loop. It cannot be regarded as a legitimate branch of Judaism. Ammi: But the Orthodox are a minority. Yosef: Yes, but it will become a majority because the Reformers and the secularists are leaving Judaism and the Orthodox are very prolific. In a memorable passage Yosef argues against Darwinism. It is absurd to say that some creatures morphed into others. And Darwinism can't explain how the intricacies and complexities of the human body and the universe could be

the result of haphazard developments. The systems in the world reflect a Creator and an Intelligent Designer. Some observations by Yosef: Israel is admitting hundreds of thousands of gentiles from Russia. He quotes an Israeli official who said it was done in order to secularize the country. He castigates Reform rabbis who officiate at interfaith weddings. Ammi: I agree with you on that. I won't do a mixed marriage. But, Yosef, remember that in the Bible we read that many notables intermarried: Moses, Joseph, Solomon. Yosef: The Talmud says that all of Solomon's wives converted. I believe the same thing happened to the wives of Moses and Joseph. Ammi: You scoff at non-Or-thodox Jews. But many of them have made big gifts to Orthodox institutions. Yosef: Well, perhaps they did because they wanted to be on God's side. Ammi: Yosef, if your ideas were to be adopted by Israel it would not be a democracy; it would be a theocracy. Yosef: No, I believe in democracy, but 1 think the country should heed the dietary laws and honor the Shabbos. To Yosef the Torah is Mosaic. To Ammi, the Torah is a mosaic.

Torah Dynamics in your home! Torah Dynamics — Plrkel Avot Looks At Life reveals the fascinating world view of the greatest sages and the wealth of their wisdom. A must in every Jewish library, this book provides greater understanding of Jewish values, ethics and tradition in easily understandable language. Torah Dynamics — Pirkei Avoi Looks At Life has proved to be overwhelmingly popular and is currently in its third edition. Ideal as a gift, and a wonderful addition to every home, synagogue and school, this book provides a new look at life. Take advantage of the republished limited special edition of Tbrah Dynamics — Pirkei Avot Looks At Life by Samson Knipnick and co-author Dr. Morris Mandcl; Price per book — $20 plus $3.50 shipping charges — a total of $23.50. Please send your check to Samson Knipnick at 22 Pinsker Street. Jerusalem. 92238. Israel. Name Address City. State. Zip

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