Philosopher and Poseq- 99
introductions to the responsa volumes that Solomon B. Freehof developed an approach to halakhah as guidance not governance.
We should not be surprised that the other Reform scholars who have written responsa have avoided a philosophical rationale. Jacob Lauterbach and Jacob Mann were primarily historians, Israel Bettan’s principle interest was midrash and homiletics. With the exception of Kaufman Kohler, first chairman of the Responsa Committee, philosophy and theology were not their major concerns. The responsa therefore were written from a practical and pragmatic point of view.
Outside the scope of this paper, but worth noting are the two guide books recently published by the Committee on Reform Jewish Practice. The Gates of the Season and The Gates of Mitzvah have made broad decisions on practice for the Reform movement. Some have been based on responsa, but the majority on the discussions and decisions of the committee. In a sense they have taken upon themselves the role of a poseq. As these are publications of the Central Conference, their role is different than Solomon Frechof’s Reform Jewish Practice. The Volume, Rabbinic Authority, published by the Central Conference of American Rabbis has also set a different tone for halakhic discussions. The Journal of Reform Judaism, of course contains numerous ¢€ssays on halakhah, but most of them are too brief for 2a Sustained analysis. Since 1986 each issue has also included a responsum.