The Heavenly Kingdom: Aspects of Political Thought in the Talmud and Midrash

An analysis of the political vision of the rabbis in the Talmud and Midrash. Analyzes theological concepts in terms of political concepts with special attention to the covenant concept as it changed direction in Rabbinic literature. This concept held that government was a commentary on the original purpose of society and that each person was to become his own authority. The social framework would be such that interaction would incur without imposition of will. Political relationships would become reciprocal and government by men no longer necessary when the covenant was kept. The rabbis hoped that the study of the Torah would result in the self-rule by each individual of God's kingdom. Co-published with the Center for Jewish Community Studies of the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs.