Innovating Halacha (Jewish Law) - A Conversation with Professor Rabbi Michael Broyde

Truths - Jewish Wisdom for Today

Today, we have a distinguished guest, Rabbi Professor Michael Broyde, joining Rabbi Dr. Levi Brackman in a compelling dialogue that delves deep into the intricate tapestry of Jewish law and thought. Our discussion pivots around a central idea — that as Professor Broyde insightfully notes, the law or Halacha in Judaism is comparable to what economists term 'the commanding heights.' A discordance with the law is not just frowned upon but is unacceptable in Jewish tradition.
We explore how this deep anchoring in law frames other aspects of Jewish thought — from mysticism to ethics, charity, and other core principles. Professor Broyde posits that unless these are rooted in law, they risk becoming unanchored, potentially spinning into chaos. Nonetheless, Professor Broyde argues that Halacha can and does change and innovation must occur.
What's particularly fascinating is his notion of "Halakha Plus" — the idea that the core Jewish law, or Halakha, is infused with external influences like mysticism, rationalism, nationalism, and more. Yet, when Halakha ceases to nourish us, we find ourselves distanced from the rabbinic community.
A contentious topic we'll touch upon is the origins of certain Jewish laws. Should it matter if they originate outside the Jewish community if they're inherently true? Professor Broyde presents a compelling case against focusing solely on the Judeaic origin of these laws.
Mysticism's intertwining with Jewish law will also take center stage, as we discuss its impact and evolution over time. This melding of law with contemporary influences showcases Judaism's adaptability and evolution, even in the realm of Halakha.
Rabbi Broyde argues that technological advancements, the positioning of Jews living within friendly democracies as well as the establishment of the State of Israel have all undeniably caused the need to innovate in areas of Jewish law. We also deep-dive into some pressing subjects, including women's role in Jewish law, the mutable nature of laws like Tzniut, and the broader shifts towards either leniency or stringency in different Jewish communities.
Our conversation also touches upon groundbreaking shifts in Jewish law, like the prohibition of polygamy — a transformative step that Rabbi Broyde feels sets a precedent for future pivotal changes.
As we wrap up this enlightening episode, we are left with a thought-provoking takeaway: Your practice of Judaism is inherently tied to your Rabbi's perspectives. It's not just about following; it's about aligning. So, as Professor Broyde aptly concludes, "Choose your Rabbi wisely.

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Levi Brackman is a rabbi, Ph.D. in psychology, best-selling author of Jewish Wisdom for Business Success, and founder of Invown, a platform for real estate fundraising and investing.