The authors suggest that there is a series of common principles that can be extracted from the Jewish intellectual tradition that have broad, even life-changing, implications for individual and societal achievement. These principles include respect for tradition while encouraging independent, often disruptive thinking; a precise system of logical reasoning in pursuit of the truth; universal education continuing through adulthood; living a purposeful life.

“Maimonides is a historical figure who truly embodied this tradition,” said Dr. Shmidman. “An expert in many different disciplines, from Jewish law to philosophy and medicine, he venerated the tradition of scholarship and learning that he inherited. He then advanced it further in his own creative and innovative ways by composing a Jewish legal code of unprecedented scope as well as attempting to synthesize the philosophic and Jewish traditions.”

Exploring the history and influence of the Jewish intellectual tradition, this volume unpacks the underlying values and principles of the tradition, and informs how those values and principles may be applied universally to produce significant advances in education, productivity and personal happiness.

“Mentorship, collaborative learning, and living life with a higher purpose are principles rooted in this tradition that anyone can apply today,” said Dr. Kadish. “If you look at intellectual achievement in general global society, the real advances usually happen in cultures that have significant power and economic and social stability. The unique feature of Jewish intellectual achievement is that it continues even at times of poverty, pogroms and great challenges…The striving for a higher purpose means that you're able to overcome the day-to-day stresses and recognize that working to attain intellectual achievement has inherent value. Jewish scholars have been able to continue their studies despite COVID and the isolation, because they believe their work has eternal value and meaning.”

About the Authors

Alan Kadish, M.D., is president of the Touro College and University System, the largest Jewish sponsored educational institution in the United States. Before succeeding Dr. Bernard Lander as Touro's second president in March 2010, Dr. Kadish distinguished himself as a prominent cardiologist, dedicated teacher and researcher, and experienced administrator.

Rabbi Michael A. Shmidman, Ph.D., is the dean and Victor J. Selmanowitz Professor of Jewish History at Touro College Graduate School of Jewish Studies and editor of Touro University Press.

Simcha Fishbane, Ph.D., is a professor of Jewish Studies in the Graduate School of Jewish Studies at Touro College, New York. He has published extensively on Jewish subjects and texts.

The Jewish Intellectual Tradition is available from Academic Studies Press and wherever books are sold.