Scales of Justice by Rabbi Zvi Hirsch Kalischer: From Rabbinic Tradition to Public Participation

Rabbi Zvi Hirsch Kalisher (1795–1874), best known for his proto-national thinking and advocacy of settlement in the Land Israel third quarter 19th century, was crowned a preeminent ”Precursor Zionism”. However, halakhic teachings, which have never been properly researched, represent fount perspectives that help refine our understanding ideological activist program. This article focuses on Moznayim LaMishpat (1855) unfinished work attempted to complete Ḥoshen Mishpat codex, not by composing another commentary Shulkhan Arukh or an independent treatise but glossing text itself, as did Isserles. Apart from all halakhot were renewed commentators approaches medieval sages absent Isserles glosses, this codex also contains sources reasons halakhot. Finally, Kalischer sought restore authority communal autonomy had eroded century rendered relevance laws questionable emphasizing public consent alternative transcendent authority. He even extended idea legislative, executive, punitive powers monarchial legal system (Mishpetei ha-Melukhah) arguing these rested general public, just they are vested king. In view, is limited community legislation repealing regulations Sages; it wields power system, parallels system.