Rabbinic authority
By: Michael S. Berger.
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Published: 1998
Place of publication: New York
Language: eng
Number of pages: 226
Subjects: Talmud -- Evidences, authority, etc.; Talmud -- Inspiration.; Bible. O.T. -- Criticism, interpretation, etc., Jewish -- History.; Tannaim.; Amoraim.; Rabbis -- Office.; Rabbinical literature -- History and criticism.; Tradition (Judaism)
Description: In this book, Michael S. Berger analyzes the notion of Rabbinic authority from a philosophical standpoint. He sets out a typology of theories that can be used to understand the authority of these Sages, showing the coherence of each, its strengths and weaknesses, and what aspects of the Rabbinic enterprise it covers.

His careful and thorough analysis reveals that owing to the multifaceted character of the Rabbinic enterprise, no single theory is adequate to fully ground Rabbinic authority as traditionally understood. Students of Judaism and philosophers of religion in general will be intrigued by this philosophical examination of a central issue of Judaism.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. 205-213) and index.