The People, the Torah, the God

“Gellman’s exploration exemplifies the heights to which theology can go in conversation with philosophy, while also showcasing the limits of traditional responses when faced with modern challenges… In that his target goal is justifying Jews who already believe, one might call it a successful project in Jewish apologetics… The People, The Torah, The God is an invitation to all of us to think about Judaism more seriously and confidently.”— Steven Gotlib, Lehrhaus

In this book we have a masterful Jewish theology for the twenty-first century written by one of the foremost Jewish theologians in the world. Gellman’s knowledge of Judaism is vast from Bible to Talmud, Medieval philosophy to Hasidism. This is combined with an excellent philosophical mind, trained in the best of the analytic philosophical tradition, and a rich spiritual and moral sensibility. The book reworks the traditional theological triad of the people Israel, Torah, and God in accordance with the latest scholarship and attention to the most compelling contemporary issues. The book is a theological feast and a necessary read for all traditionally minded Jews who desire a philosophically rigorous, ethical, and spiritually rewarding Judaism.”

— Steven Kepnes, Professor of Religion and Jewish Studies, Colgate University

“The People, The Torah, The God is a welcome and important extension of Yehuda Gellman’s recent trilogy in constructive Jewish theology, each volume of which is a monumental contribution to the field. Seeking to refine his own positions and in response to critics, Gellman clarifies and strengthens his arguments on Israel’s election, the challenges of historical and moral criticism of the Torah, and the problem of evil. While The People, The Torah, The God can serve as an overview of Gellman’s theology, it is also more than that. The book is a much-needed reminder that Jewish theology is best understood as a communal enterprise that seeks to disclose God’s will and presence. Gellman argues that divine providence is bringing us to a better understanding of God and Torah. He invites his reader to participate in that process as he responds to his interlocutors with humility and insight with the goal of preserving the holiness of Torah and our relationship to God.”

— Cass Fisher, Associate Professor of Religious Studies, University of South Florida

“Prof. Yehuda Gellman's brilliant and thought-provoking book builds on themes from his previous works, fearlessly grappling with pressing issues in Jewish thought. With mature philosophical skill, he delves into key concepts such as Jews as God's chosen people, the divine origin of the Torah, and God's perfect goodness. Gellman presents and addresses familiar arguments that challenge these ideas, offering a comprehensive overview of the attacks against them. He takes a bird's eye view, summarizing these challenges and providing a sharp philosophical analysis on how a person of faith can engage with these complex ideas while being sensitive to research, cultural, and political criticism. This essay is a fascinating example of how a believing, reflective, critical, and profound individual approaches the Jewish tradition in the contemporary era.

Gellman's book is a mature, in-depth, and tremendously significant contribution to the challenges faced by Jewish education today. His insights are timely and relevant, offering valuable perspectives for scholars, theologians, and those interested in the intersection of faith, philosophy, and tradition. It is a must-read for anyone seeking intellectual rigor and a nuanced understanding of the complexities of Jewish thought in our time.”

— Avinoam Rosenak, senior lecturer at the Department of Jewish Thought, Hebrew University of Jerusalem