normative and the burden of proof lies with those who wish to make changes.(61) Changes have taken place throughout our history, but our understanding of them must be from this point of view. The halakhic process is basic to him for Conservative Judaism irrespective of the differences which exist within the movement.(62) His two volumes Law and Theology in Judaism (1974 and 1976) contain numerous essays which are not quite responsa, but virtually follow the same path. They demonstrate great erudition and a willingness to operate within the framework which the author has set for himself. David Novaks’ volume The Image of the Non-Jew in Judaism , An Historical and Constructive Study(1983) demonstrates this scholar’s desire to deal with practical issues which lie beyond his earlier efforts. They can become the foundation for a new understanding of Jewish -Gentile relationships.
This work provides the foundation for such a new approach.
David Novak ’s first volume, Law and Theology in Judaism(1974) presents a series of expanded responsa and thus a combination of practical and philosophical approach to modern halakhah. The thesis of this book is that"halakhah(law) and agadah(theology) are not only indispensable elements of Judaism in and of themselves, but that their interrelationship is equally important." In keeping with this thought, there is no general theoretical introduction, but theory and practice are tied together in the essays. Novak mentions his closeness to both Abraham Heschel and Boaz Cohen ; he has been influenced by the latter's view of history and the former's theology. The questions which he has chosen for his responsa and the careful restrained answers presented indicate that change is possible, but should be