Can 'secular' knowledge enhance Torah study? Can we learn wisdom from other nations? Did ancient cultures influence Judaism?
Rabbi Elia Benamozegh's 19th-century Torah commentary (Em LaMiqra) stands at the centre of these controversial questions-incorporating science, philology, archaeology, and history.
Praised by some and banned by others, it was accused of blending the holy with the 'profane.'
In this first-ever English translation of his response to his detractors, you can read Rabbi Benamozegh's passionate defence-not just of his book, but of a deep-rooted Jewish tradition that embraces truth from all sources to illuminate and enhance the study of Torah.
Translated by Simon Montagu