Science in the Bet Midrash

Science in the Bet Midrash explores the religious thought of Moses Maimonides (1138–1204), one of the most influential Jews of the last thousand years. While covering many aspects of his religious philosophy, these essays focus on the way Maimonides elucidated and expressed the universalistic thrust of the Jewish tradition. Maimonides construed the election of Israel as a challenge, not an endowment. This challenge is ultimately addressed to all human beings, not just to Jews.

Kellner Menachem :

Menachem Kellner is Chair of Shalem College, Jerusalem’s Department of Jewish Thought and Philosophy and Wolfson Professor of Jewish Thought (emeritus) at the University of Haifa. He is the author, editor, or translator of two dozen books (including two published by Academic Studies Press) and close to two hundred articles in medieval and modern Jewish thought.Born and educated in the United States, Menachem Kellner (Ph.D., Washington University in St. Louis, 1973) has lived in Israel for the last 30 years. Author, editor, or translator of 16 books and over 100 scholarly articles, Kellner’s most recent books include Science in the Bet Midrash and Maimonides’ Confrontation with Mysticism (2006).

Dr. Israel Drazin:
"Professor Menachem Kellner is an expert on Maimonides. He writes clearly and logically in easy to read and vibrant language…"

Shlomo Brody:
"Menachem Kellner’s Science in the Bet Midrash: Studies in Maimonides (Academic Studies Press) is a collection of previously published English essays, organized around 4 major themes: Approaches to the Study of Maimonides; Religious Faith and Dogma; Science and Torah; and Universalism. Fans of Kellner’s writings, including myself, will surely recognize that these themes (particularly dogma and universalism) were also the subject of some of his acclaimed (and sometimes controversial) books. Those who have read those books may find some of the articles superfluous (sometimes they reflect earlier drafts, other times slight amendments or clarifications), but they remain probing and stimulating. The articles are intended for the scholarly or sophisticated lay reader. "

Kenneth Seeskin, Professor of Philosophy, Professor of Religion, Philip M. and Ethel Klutznick Professor of Jewish Civilization, Northwestern University; Editor of the SUNY Press series in Jewish Philosophy:
"The essays in this book are bold, clear, and authoritative. Anyone interested in Maimonides or the relation between science and religion will want to read them closely and then go back and read them again."