In this edition of the Contemporary Talmud Page, we begin with an affirmation of Kaplan that “Torah is lifelong moral education.” But is this always true? How might the idea of shlemut (spiritual wholeness), the inward Jewish peoplehood character of tikkun olam, and an appreciation of Shabbat challenge Kaplan’s own assertion that we must always be engaged in moral education?
Other Tosafot (commentators) will be adding their thoughts later in the Spring. For now, we invite you to use the page for your own reflections. We note that in framing the Talmud page this way, we recognize the complexity of Kaplan’s thought. To have Kaplan argue with himself is the supreme compliment to the richness of his thinking.
We thank Dr. Mira Wasserman and the Ethics Center of RRC for cosponsoring this edition of the Contemporary Talmud Page.