Philosopher and Poseq- 103
halakhah. For Klein the Torah is divinely inspired; the halakhah has a central role in Jewish life; it can grow and is"not frozen".(56) Along with the traditional principles, Klein invokes history and sociology as part of the process of change, but "within Jewish law itself are principles that help it to grow and adjust."(57) Klein has rejected non-halakhic solutions to contemporary problems as well as new legislation which might adjust the system much more quickly.(58) He, for example, did not agree with the decision of the Committee on Law and Standards which permitted driving on Shabbat .(59)
It was more important for him that law possessed stability as only this provided the necessary authority. Isaac Klein made his decisions within this framework; only three of the fourteen responsa in his volume dealt with matters outside the realm of ritual. His volume A Guide to Jewish Religious Practice is a major effort to provide a code of practice for the Conservative movement in the area of religious ritual. The sources have been provided, customs along with some variations are noted, modern changes have been documented. It is thus a valuable work not only as a guide, but also as it marks where the movement stands at this moment. By publishing this work as an individual, the Conservative movement has chosen to take the traditional route of the previous historical codes.