The Middle Way

It seems to me that the main strength of Chamiel's work is its comparative study of the ideas of Chajes, Hirsch, and Luzzatto in regards to each of the major problems that modernity poses for Judaism; from this comparative analysis, there emerges a complex and fascinating picture of the Middle Way. Each chapter contains precise and well-chosen readings, and presents a comprehensive picture of this trend. This work is an important contribution to the study of modern Jewish thought, as well as to our understanding of the complex formation of Neo-Orthodoxy." "I do not think I am mistaken in emphasizing that this is an excellent work. It contains an exhaustive and comprehensive discussion of the general issues, combined with incisive and careful treatment of the details and bibliography related to this topic. The great labor that has been invested in this work is amply rewarded, and it also opens the way for both scholars and general readers to understand the influence of these three major thinkers on modern Jewish thought." "A most valuable contribution to the understanding of Chajes, Hirsch, and Luzzatto, treating complex issues in clear, lucid language. Chamiel's command of the traditional, pre-modern thinkers and their impact on nineteenth-century thought is impressive." "Having broadened the scope considerably, Chamiel provides interested readers with an indispensable study of what he calls "The Middle Way," that is, the approach among Jewish thinkers which championed the Golden Mean and avoided the extremes of both religious skeptic and uber fundamentalists ... Chamiel posits that it is not clear what value the Land of Israel will hold at the end of days, if the prerequisite for returning there is the dramatic transformation of all mankind and the removal of all evil tendencies from human society ... Chamiel's two-volume study is an indispensable contribution to our understanding of the emergence of varieties of traditionalist responses to modernity. His interpretation of R. Chajes is the most compelling and at least some readers may emerge with a greater appreciation for, and interest in the writings of, this great Galician Torah sage.