Interiority and Law

Bahya ibn Paquda and the Concept of Inner Commandments

By: Omer Michaelis

Write A Review

Hardcover | 19 December 2023

At a Glance

Hardcover
222 Pages

Dimensions(cm)
22.86 x 15.24 x 1.6

Hardcover

$194.99

or 4 interest-free payments of $48.75 with

or

Ships in 5 to 10 business days

Interiority and Law presents a groundbreaking reassessment of a medieval Jewish classic, Ba?ya ibn Paquda's Guide to the Duties of the Hearts. Michaelis reads this work anew as a revolutionary intervention in Jewish law, or halakha.

Overturning perceptions of Ba?ya as the shaper of an ethical-religious form of life that exceeds halakha, Michaelis offers a pioneering historical and conceptual analysis of the category of "inner commandments" developed by Ba?ya. Interiority and Law reveals that Ba?ya's main effort revolved around establishing a new legal formation-namely, the "duties of the hearts"-which would deal entirely with human interiority. Michaelis takes up the implications of Ba?ya's radical innovation, examining his unique mystical model of proximity to God, which he based on an increasingly growing fulfillment of the inner commandments. With an integrative approach that puts Ba?ya in dialogue with other medieval Muslim and Jewish religious thinkers, this work offers a fresh perspective on our understanding of the interconnectedness of the dynamic, neighboring religious traditions of Judaism and Islam.

Contributing to conversations in the history of religion, Jewish studies, and medieval studies on interiority and mysticism, this book reveals Ba?ya as a revolutionary and demanding thinker of Jewish law.

Industry Reviews

"Examining Duties of the Hearts afresh, Michaelis uncovers a much more audacious and radical Ba?ya than the pious image we know. This thoughtful, thoroughly researched, and well-argued book sheds new light on the dynamics that fashioned medieval Jewish thought."-Sarah Stroumsa, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
"Interiority and Law is a masterful achievement. Michaelis has disclosed the philological nuances of Ba?ya's classic work with illuminating originality; and with phenomenological insight revealed the inherent spiritual imperatives of Jewish religious practice. This is a work to be studied and cherished by those interested in Jewish and Islamic thought, and their profound interconnections."-Michael Fishbane, University of Chicago
"Interiority and Law presents a brilliant and original interpretation of Duties of the Hearts. In Michaelis's compelling reading, Ba?ya extends legal normativity to the interior sphere. It is a wonderful and extraordinary contribution."-Moshe Halbertal, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem

Shipping

	Standard Shipping	Express Shipping
Metro postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95
Regional postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95
Rural postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95

Orders over $89.00 qualify for free shipping.

How to return your order

At Booktopia, we offer hassle-free returns in accordance with our returns policy. If you wish to return an item, please get in touch with Booktopia Customer Care.

Additional postage charges may be applicable.