Another Strong Endorsement of “Come Now, Let Us Reason Together.”

I’m very pleased to have received a very favorable review of my book from Julian Ungar-Sargon, M.D. Ph.D. Dr. Sargon is a renowned neurologist, specializing in pain management. He was raised in an Orthodox household and is quite familiar with Judaism’s classic sources, including the Kabbalah and other texts of Jewish mysticism. Here is a link to his personal website: https://www.jyungar.com/. The entire review is reproduced below:

“Come Now, Let Us Reason Together: Uncovering the Torah’s Liberal Values” by Mark D. Friedman is a thought-provoking exploration of Judaism’s foundational texts, challenging prevailing perceptions and highlighting the tradition’s inherent pluralism and adaptability.

Friedman, a retired attorney with a background in philosophy, delves into the Hebrew Bible and rabbinic literature to argue that Judaism is not a monolithic tradition defined solely by ultra-Orthodox interpretations. Instead, he presents a vision of Judaism rooted in debate, moral autonomy, and progressive values. The book emphasizes that the Torah and subsequent rabbinic discussions encourage critical thinking and adaptability, rather than rigid dogmatism.

 Friedman advocates for reading the Torah as a literary and philosophical work, claiming that this perspective offers deeper ethical insights than a literal historical interpretation.

The book traces the development of Jewish thought, noting a shift towards rigidity during the Geonic era (7th–11th centuries CE) and a return to liberal interpretations during the Enlightenment. Clearly this is a heterdox reading of history and halachah.

Friedman posits that the Torah’s seemingly archaic laws were contextually appropriate for their time and that the text provides tools for moral progression, emphasizing values like open-mindedness and tolerance. Again this will not be acceptable to those with a Torah min hashamayim perspective.

“Come Now, Let Us Reason Together” is a compelling read for anyone interested in theology, philosophy, or Jewish studies. Friedman’s work invites readers to reconsider preconceived notions and appreciate the dynamic and pluralistic nature of Jewish tradition. It does presuppose a liberal non orthodox reading of Jewish history and theology.