| Description: A detailed analysis of R. Menachem Ha-Me'iri approach to
understanding
to talmudic restrictions on interaction with gentiles. The Me'iri
reformulated the conception of idolatry, contending that it had
disappeared from everywhere except the 'extremities' of civilization.
Hence the talmudic laws limiting Jewish economic intercourse with
non-Jews as well as the halakhic inequalities between the legal
rights
of Jews compared to those of non-Jews in principle do not apply to
either Christians or Moslems. Rather, those gentiles participate in
the community of legitimate religious peoples. The author
demonstrates
how the Me'iri's legal tolerance was informed by his philosophical
orientation drawn from the Maimonidean philosophic tradition. |
