Orthodox Jewish philosophy comprises the philosophical and theological teachings of Orthodox Judaism. Though Orthodox Judaism sees itself as the heir of traditional rabbinic Judaism, the present-day movement is thought to have first formed in the late 18th century, mainly in reaction to the Jewish emancipation and the growth of the Haskalah and Reform movements. Orthodox Jewish philosophy concerns itself with interpreting traditional Jewish sources, reconciling the Jewish faith with the changes in the modern world and the movement's relationships with the State of Israel and other Jewish denominations.
Philosophies
Specific philosophies developed by Orthodox Jewish thinkers include:
Torah Judaism, an ideological concept used to legitimize Jewish movements within the framework of Orthodox Jewish values.
Hasidism, focusing on the importance of prayer, joy and the attachment to Tzadikim and Rebbes
Musar, stressing the importance of the study of ethical texts
Torah Umadda, similar to Torah I'm Derech Eretz, advocating a combination of Jewish and secular education
Da'as Torah, the position that the opinion rabbinic authorities are to be sought in various circumstances
Dirah Betachtonim, a midrashic concept popularized by Chabad thinkers, the making of a "dwelling place for God in the lower realms" is thought to be the purpose of creation
Orthodox Jewish philosophers (from late 18th century)
While the majority of Orthodox rabbinic figures wrote primarily on Talmud and Jewish law, some are known for their philosophical and theological writings.
Samson Raphael Hirsch, German rabbi, authored Horeb, and Nineteen Letters, considered a founder of Modern Orthodoxy and the Torah im Derech Eretz school of thought
Abraham Isaac Kook, former Chief Rabbi if Israel and an important thinker in Religious Zionism
Joseph Soloveitchik, a seminal figure in Modern Orthodox Judaism who helped popularize the Torah Umadda philosophy, authored The Lonely Man of Faith and Halakhic Man
Eliezer Berkovits, authored a number of works on Jewish theology including God, Man, and History and Man and God: Studies in Biblical Theology
Israel Eldad, a Zionist teacher and writer associated with the Lehi movement
David Hartman, philosopher of contemporary Judaism, author of a number of works including A Living Covenant: The Innovative Spirit in Traditional Judaism and A Heart of Many Rooms: Celebrating the Many Voices Within Judaism
Elijah of Vilna, the Vilna Gaon, known primarily for his commentary on Talmud and Shulchan Aruch, the Vilna Gaon also authored a number of Kabbalistic works and is noted for his position on Tzimtzum
Chaim Volozhin, student of the Vilna Gaon, author of Nefesh Ha-Chaim dealing with Kabbalistic and general Jewish theological ideas
