The Limits of Orthodox Theology: Maimonides' Thirteen Principles Reappraised (The Littman Library of Jewish Civilization)

In one of his major works, Maimonides included his list of thirteen principles which he considered the basic tenets of the Jewish faith. Deniers of these principles, in his words, are heretics. Contrary to common opinion, throughout the ages many respected Jewish scholars disagreed with Maimonides. In fact, Maimonides himself was inconsistent in his writings in this regard. Shapiro lays these arguments out clearly and logically with considerable footnoting and referencing, occasionally boldly challenging the writings of several modern day thinkers. Additionally, Shapiro touches upon several related issues such as the difference between authorities in Jewish law (poskim in halachah) and Jewish theologians, bemoaning the dearth of the latter group of thinkers in modern Orthodoxy. I read the book from cover to cover in several hours (which is very unusual for me) and subsequently decided to read it a second time, devoting more time to a concurrent reading of the cited sources in their original texts. Shapiro's writing style is light enough to enjoy but heavy enough to convince even the most conservative (Orthodox) readers of his points. During my read, I couldn't help but wish Rabbi J.B. Soloveitchik (perhaps the foremost expert on Maimonides of our generation) were alive to react to the issues raised by Shapiro, particularly the apparent inconsistencies in Maimonides' works. To my knowledge, this is the only text devoted solely to this topic and joins other groundbreaking works by the same author. Scholars and lay people interested in Maimonides or Jewish theology will read this text.

The title of the book represents a straw man that the author sets up to challenge the idea that the 13 principles of Maimonides, as presented in the introduction to Perek Chelek, are somehow the be-all and end-all of Jewish "philosophy" and a set-in-stone test of one's ideological purity as an observant Jew. The fallacy of the initial premise is known to those "in the know" - ie educated Jews who know quite well that the 13 principles have both a lot of wiggle room and are not true barrier material.Nevertheless, the analysis of divergent opinions as to most of the principles is first rate; The author relies on a full array of classic rabbinic material along with more recent academic writings to tame and temper the Master's writings and to show how and why they've always drawn criticism. Combined with the classic "Perfect Faith" by Bleich, this book would work as the core of a worthwhile course on the subject - either at the college level or within an ambitious synagogue adult education curriculum

Pretty good book. It took a bit long for it to come, but still pretty good for a used book.

I can't add much that hasn't been said in the other 5 reviews already posted. This is a serious scholarly (very very well footnoted etc) treatment of Maimonides' Thirteen Principles discussing what "traditional" (well recognized/accepted by the orthodox Jewish community) commentators (as well as Maimonides in other writings) have said about them. Worthwhile reading for those concerned with theology as defined by the 13 Principles.As another poster said, I too would have liked the original text of the 13 Principles to have been printed in the book for handy reference.

The author brings a host of sources showing that for each of Miamonides' principles, scores of authoritative rabbinic commentators through the ages (and whom nobody would call heretical) have disagreed with the principles themselves, and certainly with the concept that their acceptance as essential to authentic Judaism.In a time when conversion candidates are rejected, and participation in online fora is discouraged, for lack of acceptance of the Principles, this book demonstrates conclusively the illegitimacy of these restrictions.

Everyone should read this book. Interesting and filled with information about the ikkarim.

I knew the book from before and I wanted to get it again since it is an horizon opener for anyone who values Jewish Theology. Besides being a mind opener on the specific beliefs it deals with, it is powerful as a liberator from dogmas and self suspicion.

Great book! Would recommend to anyone. Great erudition and clearly written. I liked that Shapiro didn't go off interpreting the material (unlike Kellner), and only presented it for the reader to understand. His best book no doubt.

This is a most informative and scholarly work! I was surprised to find all the contradictions in Maimonides' works and his ambiguity towards many of his own statements. Worth a read!