What, Not Who, Is a Jew: Halevi–Maimonides in Those Days, Rabbi Aviner and Rabbi Kafih in Our Day

This chapter explores the view that Jews and non-Jews are distinguished by some inborn, metaphysical quality that is widespread in contemporary Judaism in Orthodox circles. It illustrates the debate that is expressed by two prominent Israeli Orthodox rabbis and examines the roots of the debate in the medieval controversy over the nature of Jews and Judaism as found in the writings of Judah Halevi and Moses Maimonides. It also cites the voice of Rabbi Shlomo Aviner in the world of contemporary Orthodox Zionism in Israel. The chapter discusses the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob that received the Torah and became the chosen people. It mentions Rabbi Aviner's insistence that the Torah is appropriate to the inner nature of the Jewish people.