Acts of the Mind in Jewish Ritual Law: An Insight into Rabbinic Psychology

With a focus on describing the role of the mind and thought of an individual in the course of his physical actions—and examining the individual’s mind to determine the validity and propriety of those actions—this original work of research embraces the entire gambit of Jewish ritual law. The book explains Jewish law in layman’s terminology and provides authoritative sources of rabbinic law throughout. Ultimately, it argues that many of the differences in the law expressed by Jewish sages were the result, not in their understanding of the basic law, but in their reading of the purpose and intention in the mind of the individual. The dialogue that stems from this argument offers a unique insight into rabbinic psychology. This comprehensive study will be of value to all scholars of Judaism and Jewish law.