Forgotten Hebrew Law Returns to Life in New Book
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Rabbi Dr. Ido the Wife's new book, "You Shall See Justice in the State," revives the study of Hebrew administrative law, revealing hundreds of diaspora rulings on individual rights and public authority. The book argues that these principles are crucial for modern Israel, citing contemporary legal and rabbinical disputes. The Wife's research, supported by the Matateh Mishpat Aratz institute, highlights the historical development and contemporary relevance of this legal field, especially in light of current events.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Rabbi Dr. Ido the Wife's new book explores forgotten Hebrew administrative law principles.
- The book reveals hundreds of diaspora rulings on individual rights and public authority.
- Hebrew administrative law is presented as essential for contemporary Israeli governance.
- Recent legal and rabbinical disputes illustrate the field's current relevance.
- The research was conducted at Matateh Mishpat Aratz and Kohelet Forum.
- The book was written partly during the "Swords of Iron" war.
Rabbi Dr. The book aims to reintroduce the rich field of Hebrew administrative law into contemporary Jewish and legal discourse in Israel. However, his research revealed hundreds of legal rulings from the diaspora period that dealt extensively with the rights of individuals and the powers of public institutions.
He discovered that Jewish communities in the diaspora, particularly during the Middle Ages, functioned as binding political entities with citizens possessing both rights and obligations. Disputes between individuals and the community were brought before Halakhic (Jewish law) decisors, who developed legal principles based on Jewish law and natural justice. This resulted in a substantial body of rulings on public matters, forming a rich legal and Torah-based field.
Hebrew administrative law flourished particularly under the Ottoman Empire, with significant decisors in cities like Thessaloniki. The field began to decline with the advent of emancipation, fading from the awareness of many Halakhic authorities.
He notes that contemporary Halakhic decisors and legal scholars are again facing public legal questions concerning disputes between individuals and the community, making familiarity with this field urgent. To illustrate its relevance, he points to recent cases, including disputes over appointments within the Mafdal center that reached a rabbinical court, a discussion on the validity of governmental promises between retired Judge Moshe Drori and Dr. Michael Vigoda, and individual-community disputes adjudicated by the Eretz Hemda Gazit rabbinical court.
The book's creation began as a post-doctoral program at Kohelet Forum, which also assisted in its publication, and continued at Matateh Mishpat Aratz in Ofra. He also thanks his wife, Osnat, and family for their support. The final section of the book was written during the "Swords of Iron" war, reflecting on the difficult trials of the generation and expressing hope for worthiness of the demands of these times.