Reclaiming Redemption Review: Jewish Weekly, United Kingdom
Rabbi Toby Weiniger, St. John's Wood Synagogue
Reclaiming Redemption, by Rabbi Moshe Taragin, provides a profound exploration of Jewish identity and the redemptive process. Rooted in tradition yet addressing contemporary challenges, the book empowers readers to engage confidently with the most pressing issues of Jewish life today. Rabbi Taragin offers a nuanced approach to the interplay between faith, Halachah, and the complexities of a global Jewish community, especially in the wake of the October 7 pogrom.
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A central theme is the notion of "religious symbiosis", where seemingly contradictory viewpoints---such as divine and human-driven redemption---enhance each other. Rabbi Taragin masterfully presents examples, such as the Rambam's and Tosafot's differing views on the future construction of the Beit HaMikdash -- whether it will be made in Heaven or by us humans on earth - illustrating how these differences may provide a philosophical background for certain ideological differences. Yet, ultimately, both views may reflect the divine will. No human can fully grasp the totality of Truth; instead, each person sees only a small fragment of Hashem's vast reality. This concept supports the idea that layers of seemingly contradictory Jewish thoughts can coexist and enrich one another.
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A favourite example of this point is Rabbi Taragin's halachic analysis of a critical topic in the Laws of Prayer. The juxtaposition of geulah (redemption) and tefillah (prayer) is essential, as the Gemara emphasises, forbidding interruption between them. Some see redemption as a preface to prayer, preventing prayer from being a self-centred list of requests but contextualising it in our broader national journey with God. By contrast, Rabbeinu Yonah argues that prayer is the preface for redemption. Redemption exists for us to fulfil a divine mission. In the same way that leaving Egypt allowed us to become a nation of God's servants, our final redemption will emancipate us from historical and cultural oppression and allow us to pursue justice and righteousness. Our prayer, and religious centring of the redemptive process, is the key to that.
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The author also doesn't shy away from controversial topics. He challenges readers to examine their personal role in redemption and their relationship with God, as well as exploring aliyah, religious responses to a secular state, Jews who reject Israel, messianism, and history. His analysis of Moses' delay in performing brit milah during the journey to Egypt is a striking example, emphasising the need to balance redemptive fervour with halachic fidelity.
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Rabbi Taragin cites Rabbi Jonathan Sacks as one of his philosophical inspirations for the book, often echoing themes from Rabbi Sacks' influential work *Not in God's Name*, which addresses religious violence. Drawing on the Torah's account of Kayin and Hevel, where a mysterious quarrel between brothers led to the first homicide, Rabbi Taragin explores Rabbi Yehudah Halevi's interpretation that the dispute centered around over Har Habayis. Rabbi Taragin explores how this ancient conflict provides a framework for understanding contemporary global religious tensions.
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Written in an accessible yet rigorous style, Reclaiming Redemption appeals to both scholars and lay readers. It is especially valuable for educators seeking source-rich material to create meaningful discussions. Ultimately, Rabbi Taragin's work reclaims the concept of redemption, offering a refreshing, balanced perspective on a topic often misunderstood by extremes, allowing every Jew to live a life imbued with historical resonance and spiritual depth.