Passionate Centrism

We hope this book will be read and studied by people in all the Jewish religious movements, for we do not have many such books that force us to re-examine our stands as this one does. This book is challenging, and not comfortable to read for many of us, but the questions that it raises must be confronted by us all. * The Jewish Advocate *
The complex relationship between an ancient, holy tradition and a modern, rationalistic culture drives many to one extreme or the other. Rabbi Fine’s vision of a third way resists simplistic dichotomies and invites the reader—whether Jew or Gentile, religious or secular—into a way of thinking, and a way of life, in which the deep resources of the past continue to engage and shape a life rooted in our present intellectual and social climate. Insightful, brave, and warmly personal, Passionate Centrism writes a new chapter in the dialogue between faith and understanding. This book is a great blessing. -- Rev. Canon John G. Hartnett, St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church
Passionate Centrism is a spirited invitation to embrace a Judaism that can move confidently into the future precisely because it is committed to Judaism’s ancient sources and rooted in a clear-eyed understanding of Jewish history. Throughout this book, Rabbi David Fine surprises the reader as he offers liberal reasons to support traditionalist conclusions—and traditionalist reasons to welcome liberal changes in Jewish law and belief. Marked by admirable clarity, impressive scholarship, and deft argumentation, this book is both an important read and an accessible one. -- Benjamin D. Sommer, Jewish Theological Seminary, author of Revelation and Authority: Sinai in Jewish Scripture and Tradition
At a time when Jews around the globe search for their Jewish identities, Dr. David Fine convincingly identifies a key path to authentic Judaism. He ties Conservative Judaism back to its “positive historic” beginnings and carves out his vision for a passionate Jewish future: as an evolving culture of law in a historical context and with a view to find God through meaningful observance. -- Walter Homolka, University of Potsdam, Germany
In a world torn apart by both political and religious extremists, it is downright refreshing to read Rabbi David Fine's thoughtful and passionate defense of a moderate, centrist interpretation of Judaism. Readers may not be convinced of absolutely every one of his applications of the positive-historical approach to Jewish practice, liturgy, law, and theology, but they surely will be impressed by his knowledge of Jewish sources, his appreciation of the nuances of the issues he treats, and his impressive wisdom and humanity in addressing these issues. If only more Jews understood and practiced Judaism as he does! -- Elliot Dorff, American Jewish University
Conservative Judaism can breathe anew. Here’s an accessible retort to being “a middle ground between Reform and Orthodoxy.” Rabbi David Fine offers real distinction for prayer, practice, and protocol. He critiques what has been and clarifies a vision for what might be, with personal passion and intellectual integrity. -- Elyse Frishman, editor, Mishkan T’filah: A Reform Siddur