The appearance of the second volume of Rabbi David Bleich's Contemporary Halakhic Problems is testimony both to the vitality of Halakhah in its encounter with contemporary life and to Professor Bleich's mastery of his subject matter.
Neither the author nor the editor presumes to offer practical guidance in halakhic observance for the interested reader; that is beyond the purpose of this volume. It seeks to do something which, if less practical, is perhaps more significant: to acquaint the reader with the remarkable scope of the Halakhah's jurisdiction, the relevance of its method to changing conditions, and the readiness of contemporary halakhists to cope with problems that in many ways are unprecedented.
It is my hope that, given the fecundity of halakhic writing both here and in Israel, and the growing interest by readers in this once esoteric and arcane field, publication of this second volume by our distinguished author will inspire him to additional volumes in this series.
NORMAN LAMM
Editor
June 23, 1982