The central thesis of A Tree of Life, now revised and expanded, is that social, economic, theological, and even political factors have always played a part in framing of Jewish law, as has consideration of the wider ideals of Judaism. Through discussion of historical and contemporary halakhic responses to a wide range of issues, Louis Jacobs shows how the halakhic system has demonstrated its potential for vitality, creativity, and sensitivity.
Louis Jacobs's call, in the last chapter, for a non-fundamentalist approach to halakhah was a cause of controversy both when the book was first published in 1984 and subsequently. The new introduction written for this edition responds robustly to the criticisms raised, and also summarizes new developments, both halakhic and scholarly, in the various areas covered.
'A most impressive demonstration of the healthy responsiveness which Judaism has always manifested to the disparate challenges of time and place.' - Ismar Schorsch, Jewish Theological Seminary
'Fascinating . . . a fund of valuable information, but its argument is also a signal instance of the attachment to tradition embraced with a rational integrity.' - William Horbury, Expository Times
'Louis Jacobs demonstrates a profound scholarship in the second edition of this important work. The breadth of source and the volume of analysis are truly extraordinary.' - Reuven Livingstone, Jewish Chronicle