Louis Finkelstein

Louis Finkelstein (1895–1991) was a leader of Judaism in America throughout most of the twentieth century. He was invited to the White House by several American presidents. He served as a professor and as chancellor at the Jewish Theological Seminary. One of his many scholarly publications was his two-volume work, The Jews: Their History, Culture, and Religion. In this viewpoint, Finkelstein writes that Judaism is a way of life in which people seek to obey God in every area of their lives. The will of God is first of all found in the Law given to Moses, but Finkelstein explains that the Law is explained and applied to life with the help of thousands of years of oral and written interpretations.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. What is the Torah, and...