Changing the Immutable focuses on how segments of Orthodox society have taken upon themselves to rewrite the past, by covering up and literally cutting out that which does not fit in with their contemporary world-view. For reasons ranging from theological considerations to internal religious politics to changing religious standards, such Jewish self-censorship abounds, and Marc Shapiro discusses examples from each category, In a number of cases the original text is shown alongside how it looked after it was censored, together with an explanation of what made the text problematic and how the issue was resolved. The author considers how some Orthodox historiography sees truth as entirely instrumental. Drawing on the words of leading rabbis, particularly from the haredi world, he shows that what is important is not historical truth, but a 'truth' that leads to observance and faith in the sages. He concludes with a discussion of the concept of truth in the Jewish tradition, and when this truth can be altered. Changing the Immutable also reflects on the paradox of a society that regards itself as traditional, but at the same time is uncomfortable with much of the inherited tradition and thus feels the need to create an idealized view of the past. It considers this practice in context, showing the precedents for this in Jewish history dating back to talmudic times. Since the subjects of censorship have included such figures as Maimonides, Bahya ibn Pakuda, Rashi, Naphtali Herz Wessely, Moses Mendelssohn, the Hatam Sofer, Samson Raphael Hirsch, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, A. I. Kook, and J. B. Soloveitchik, as well as issues such as Zionism, biblical interpretation, and attitudes to women and gentiles, Changing the Immutable also serves as a study in Jewish intellectual history and how the ideas of one era do not always find favour with future generations.

About the Author
Marc Shapiro holds the Weinberg Chair in Judaic Studies at the University of Scranton, Pennsylvania. A graduate of Brandeis and Harvard universities, he is also the author of Between the Yeshiva World and Modern Orthodoxy: The Life and Works of Rabbi Jehiel Jacob Weinberg, 1884-1966 (2002); The Limits of Orthodox Theology: Maimonides' Thirteen Principles Reappraised (); and Changing the Immutable: How Orthodox Judaism Rewrites Its History (), all published by the Littman Library.

Reviews
'Remarkably erudite . . . fascinating and remarkably learned.'
Allan Nadler, Jewish Review of Books
'I've been eagerly awaiting this book for years. Surely it is the most anticipated Jewish book of 2015 . . . It is chock-filled with examples, illustrations, and interesting ideas. There's not an unnecessary word. It has the high quality that you would expect from American Judaism's premier intellectual. I feel great joy in engaging with a work that stimulates both my love of Torah and my love of truth.'
Luke Ford
'Professor Shapiro is a precise, knowledgeable, and sometimes unconventional scholar. He attempts to demonstrate and to analyse how God-fearing writers and printers through the ages . . . "correct" texts or historical accounts so as to present them as they should have been rather than as they actually were . . . The bibliography and extensive indexes cover scores of pages. Professor Shapiro's diligence has produced most interesting and praiseworthy results.'
Hama'ayan
'The outstanding product of a master of rabbinic literature and an extraordinarily sharp-eyed and meticulous scholar. The book should be accessible to the widest possible readership, including traditionalists.'
Adam Ferziger, Marginalia: Los Angeles Review of Books
'An impressive work of detailed and seminal scholarship . . . a major contribution to Judaic studies and is highly recommended to as a critically important addition to synagogue and academic reference collections and supplemental reading lists.'
Micah Andrew, Midwest Book Review
'Thorough, comprehensive, based on the painstaking examination and comparison of primary sources, Changing the Immutable is an impressive feat of scholarship.'
Andrew Koss, Mosaic
'An outstanding work'
Fred Reiss, San Diego Jewish World
'Fascinating . . . meticulous.'
Jack Riemer, South Florida Jewish Journal
'Fascinating and well researched.'
Ben Rothke, Times of Israel
M. Shapiro provides in the last chapter a remarkable glossary of well-known and less well known references that illustrate that serve as a base to a philosophical reflection yet to come.
Jean-Pierre Rothschild, Revue des etudes juives



Book Information
ISBN 9781904113607
Author Marc B. Shapiro
Format Hardback
Page Count 360
Imprint The Littman Library of Jewish Civilization
Publisher Liverpool University Press
Weight(grams) 726g
Dimensions(mm) 235mm * 160mm * 33mm