Jewish Justice

With rhetorical flair and conceptual rigor, Novak offers an unapologetically Jewish theology in a manner that consistently includes non-Jewish readers and practical implications for life together in pluralist societies. It is this uniquely attractive way of inviting thinkers of all stripes into the richness of the ongoing Jewish theological and ethical conversation that makes Novak so great.

~Matthew Levering, James N. and Mary D. Perry, Jr. Chair of Theology, Mundelein Seminary

David Novak, rabbi and professor, is singularly adept in the range of disciplines needed to speak wisely on Jewish justice: Talmudic/rabbinic jurisprudence, Jewish philosophy, Jewish ethics, and the history of rabbinic practice. A deep reader and interpreter of Greek, Latin, and German philosophic and theological traditions, Novak is singularly qualified to speak wisely to Christian as well as Jewish readers."

~Peter Ochs, Edgar Bronfman Professor of Modern Judaic Studies, University of Virginia

Novak's unparalleled ability to bring philosophical perspicuity to the full range of normative legal and moral texts makes him always worth reading. One could disagree with some of his substantive views, but one always learns a good deal and feels enriched by the encounter with this consummately thoughtful master of Jewish law and ethics.

~Alan Mittleman, Aaron Rabinowitz and Simon H. Rifkind Professor of Jewish Philosophy, The Jewish Theological Seminary

Novak speaks as a Jewish Theologian to inform us that the Jewish canonical texts for determining the Transcendental all have the core message to act humanely and rationally as a ‘pro-active’ member of one’s community. In so doing, the communities function as homes for the Transcendental.

~Sheldon Richmond, Literature and Theology

Novak is certainly to be commended for his readiness to step into the fray and take the first steps toward creating a conversation that is unabashedly grounded in ancient sources yet nonetheless engaged with the problems of today. Illuminating contemporary problems in such a clear and articulate way will undoubtedly spur on scholars of Jewish texts to excavate their sources for answers to these quandaries, which will in turn provide Novak’s successors with the tools to refine their intellectual contributions and offer sophisticated answers based in Jewish tradition as a way of enriching public discourse.

~Ayelet Hoffmann Libson, Politcal Theology