معرفی
Dr. Rabbi Michael Harris serves as an Affiliated Lecturer in the Faculty of Divinity at the University of Cambridge and a Research Fellow at The London School of Jewish Studies, while also serving as rabbi of Hampstead Synagogue.
His academic credentials include:
- Rabbinic ordination from the Chief Rabbinate of Israel
- Ph.D. from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London
- M.A. in Philosophy from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Harris specializes in Jewish theological discourse with emphasis on divine command ethics and modern Orthodox thought. His scholarship challenges literalist interpretations of religious texts, advocating instead for nuanced approaches that prioritize ethical living and peaceful interpretation. He argues that "by privileging interpretation over literalism, our tradition encourages us to live through the Torah and not die through it or promote violence through its teachings."
Harris has authored significant scholarly works including Divine Command Ethics: Jewish and Christian Perspectives and Faith Without Fear: Unresolved Issues in Modern Orthodoxy, contributing substantially to interfaith dialogue and contemporary religious thought.
His research bridges academic scholarship with practical religious leadership, examining ancient Near Eastern antecedents to the Torah and exploring concepts of Torah Min HaShamayim (Torah from Heaven) while maintaining active rabbinic responsibilities at Hampstead Synagogue.
