THE FREEHOF INSTITUTE OF PROGRESSIVE HALAKHAH
The Freehof Institute of ProgressiveHalakhah is a creative research center devoted to studying and defining the progressive character of thehalakhah in accordance with the principles and theology of Reform Judaism. It seeks to establish the ideological basis of Progressivehalakhah, and its application to daily life. The Institute fosters serious studies, and helps scholars in various portions of the world to work together for a common cause. It provides an ongoing forum through symposia, and publications including the quarterly newsletter,HalakhaH, published under the editorship of Walter Jacob, in the United States. The foremosthalakhic scholars in the Reform, Liberal, and Progressive rabbinate along with some Conservative and Orthodox colleagues as well as university professors serve on our Academic Council.

This collection of essays is the product of the symposia held in Atlanta and Pittsburgh in 1995 and 1996. This book follows the volumesDYNAMIC JEWISH LAW; Progressive Halakhah - Essence and Application (1991),RABBINIC -LAY RELATIONS IN JEWISH LAW(1993), CONVERSION TO JUDAISM IN JEWISH LAW (l994),DEATH AND EUTHANASIA INJEWISH LAW (1995) andTHE FETUS AND FERTILITY IN JEWISH LAW (1995),ISRAEL AND THE DIASPORA IN JEWISH LAW (1997). It is part of a series whose subjects are diverse and the approaches taken by the authors are equally so. We wish to encourage wide ranging discussions of contemporary and historic themes.

Walter Jacob was Senior Scholar of Rodef Shalom Congregation, Pittsburgh, Pennslyvania. He also served as President of the Freehof Institute of ProgressiveHalakhah. He is the author and editor of a number of titles includingAmerican Reform Responsa (1983),Liberal Judaism and Halakhah (1988) andNot by Birth Alone, Conversion to Judaism (1997).