Humanism, Democracy and Human Rights in the Thought of Rabbi Aharon Lichtenstein
- Written By: Prof. Aviad Hacohen, Dr. Eliezer Hadad
- Publication Date:
- Center: The Joan and Irwin Jacobs Center for Shared Society
Rabbi Dr. Aharon Lichtenstein, dean of Har Etzion Yeshiva and winner of the prestigious Israel Prize in Torah Literature, is considered one of this generation's spiritual giants. This book encapsulates Rabbi Lichtenstein's approach to Torah, one that combined tradition with modern humanism and liberalism.
Lichtenstein aspired to integrate Jewish law with democracy and human rights, and even spoke against extremism among religious Zionism and the use of religion as a tool to harm human rights.
Through his writings and teaching, Rabbi Lichtenstein developed a workable model for a life based on religious purity, intellectual rigor, constant study, broad-mindedness, and societal commitment.