In his introduction to this work Professor Shimon Gesundheit (Hebrew University,Jerusalem) considers the question of whether there is such a subject as Jewish Theology. He finds the originality of Rabbi Adler's approach in his providing an answer to this question through centering on Biblical Anthropology. The understanding of God given in the Bible as Adler sees it is given so that Mankind can understand truly his own nature and task in the world. This approach, pioneering at the time, would influence key figures of contemporary Jewish thought,as Abraham Joshua Heschel and Rav Joseph Dov Ber Soloveitchik.
The author, Rabbi Adler was for the last twenty- two years of his life the Rabbi of the Jewish community of Basel Switzerland. In searching to find an understanding of the Biblical conception of Man he focuses on Man's search for Justice through proper and responsible use of his freedom. He teaches that Biblical Revelation and Law provide the means to work toward attaining this ideal of Justice.
Adler contrasts the Biblical view as he understands it with the Christian view whose focus is on original sin overcome only through Grace, and with the Greek view whose focus is on rational understanding exclusively. As Adler understands the Biblical view of the world Man's reason alone is not enough, and it is the commandments of God which provide the basis for Man's making a life of freedom and justice.
In the course of his exposition Adler analyzes concepts such as Tzedek, Mishpat, Ttzedakah, Anava, Yirat Hashem.Rabbi Adler also considers briefly apocryphal literature and the Biblical concept in relation to later periods of Jewish history.
Originally written in German the translation done by Prof.Daniel Schwartz (Hebrew University,Jerusalem) reads exceptionally well.
A small but profound work its appearance in English is cause for celebration.