Jewish Theological Realism restores the place of theology in rabbinic Judaism and provides resources for contemporary Jewish theological reflection. Cass Fisher uses the ideas of theological realism and theological reference to diagnose and remedy the marginalization of theology in Judaism. Both the depiction of rabbinic theology as an edifying discourse for the laity, and the pervasive move in modern Jewish thought to limit theological language arise from skepticism about our ability to make truth claims about God. Fisher argues that the rabbis valued knowledge of God and affirmed their capacity to speak truthfully about the divine. Moreover, while most modern Jewish thinkers sharply limit theological language, there exists an important countertrend of theological realists who have sought to preserve Jewish theology. Fisher concludes with the first application of new theories of reference to theology, demonstrating that these approaches to reference can resolve longstanding challenges to Jewish theology and provide the basis for re-envisioning theology as a communal and religious practice.

‘In this exciting volume, Cass Fisher demonstrates, in the face of generations of scholars who have argued otherwise, that the Rabbis actually believed in God! He also demonstrates that Jewish theology is alive and well, not least because of his own efforts to defuse the anti-theological prejudice of others. Indeed, Fisher provides a masterclass in the production of erudite and vital Jewish theology.'

Sam Lebens - Haifa University

‘A thoughtful, tightly argued, and carefully substantiated study that makes the case for theological realism in Judaism on historical and philosophical grounds. Adducing evidence for theological realism in rabbinic texts, Fisher documents theological realism in modern and contemporary Jewish philosophy and supports it with analysis of new theories of reference.'

Hava Tirosh-Samuelson - Arizona State University

‘This elegant, erudite, lucid, and very well  argued work is a must-read  in Jewish theology. It assesses a claim that threatens to make Jewish 'theology' an utter misnomer, yet has been adopted by a virtual Who's Who of Jewish theology for over a century. With a clear and polished style, keen philosophical insight,  and a remarkable command of philosophical, historical and exegetical material [ – analytic and continental philosophy, including contemporary theories of reference, the history of the ancient rabbinic period, and much more] – Fisher argues that the discourse of Judaism must be taken as seeking to refer to a real being who is knowable, and that the ancient rabbis. must be interpreted as espousing such realism. He further suggests that the future viability of Judaism depends on this orientation. Fisher is an important voice in Jewish theology, and this is a rich, rewarding and essential read.'

David Shatz - Yeshiva University