My approach to the subject of the Mitzvoth, and to Jewish religious praxis as a component of living religious reality, is not that of history or theology. I will not elaborate a philosophic justification or rationale of the Mitzvoth, but intend rather to focus upon their meaning for Jewish religion as we live it and are capable of living it here and now. My theme is not historical; it is contemporary. To be sure, we are all influenced by the literary sources from which we learn that Judaism has been and what outstanding Jews have thought, but we shall not be bound by such sources. Citations and allusions to them will serve as illustrations, not as evidence. My contentions will be exemplified by selected citations, though I am fully aware that the sources include expressions of views and opinions which differ considerably from one another and are at times even opposed to those set forth here...
Religious Praxis: The Meaning of Halakhah