R. José Faur’s The Horizontal Society is a profound and nuanced exploration of Jewish philosophy, law, and identity. Published in 2010 as part of the “Emunot: Jewish Philosophy and Kabbalah” series, this work draws on Faur’s Sephardic/Maimonidean intellectual heritage and decades of teaching and scholarship. It presents a compelling argument for understanding Judaism as a radically egalitarian tradition, contrasting sharply with the hierarchical structures that dominate most human societies. Through its rigorous examination of historical, textual, and philosophical dimensions, The Horizontal Society offers both a critique of modernity and a roadmap for preserving Judaism’s unique ethos in contemporary and future contexts.
Context: A Critique of Hierarchy and Defense of Equality
Faur’s intellectual context is shaped by his background in Sephardic Judaism, with its strong emphasis on textual precision and legalism, and his critique of hierarchical power structures that undermine the egalitarian principles of the Tora. Writing against the backdrop of both modern secularism and religious fundamentalism, Faur positions Judaism as a countercultural force. He argues that the covenant at Sinai established a society governed not by power or charisma but by law and mutual accountability. This vision resonates with his critique of hierarchical systems, whether in the form of despotic regimes, anti-Semitic ideologies, or even internal Jewish movements that, in his view, compromise the egalitarian essence of Judaism.
Thesis: Judaism as a Horizontal Society
At the heart of Faur’s work is the thesis that Judaism is uniquely structured as a horizontal society. Unlike hierarchical societies where authority is concentrated in the hands of a few, Judaism is built on the principles of equality and mutual responsibility. This framework emerges from two foundational ideas: the belief that all humans are created in the image of God (tzelem Elohim) and the centrality of the covenant at Sinai, which establishes the Tora as the supreme authority. Faur emphasizes that in Judaism, authority is derived not from might but from law, creating a system where no individual or group can claim absolute power. This vision of horizontal governance, Faur contends, offers a model for ethical leadership and just society.
Structure: A Systematic Exploration
The Horizontal Society is meticulously structured into five sections, each addressing a key dimension of Faur’s argument. The first section, “The God of Israel,” explores the alphabetic nature of divine communication, emphasizing the interplay between literacy, divinity, and human agency. The second section, “The Books of Israel,” examines the Tora as a national document, contrasting it with the hierarchically framed texts of Western tradition. In “The Governance of Israel,” Faur critiques political despotism and highlights the Tora’s vision of limited sovereignty. The fourth section, “The Memory of Israel,” investigates how the Mishnah and Talmud preserved Jewish identity and autonomy under oppressive regimes. Finally, “The Folly of Israel” critiques the internal and external forces that have undermined Jewish autonomy, culminating in reflections on the Holocaust and the dangers of complacency.
Themes: Equality, Law, and Memory
The themes of The Horizontal Society are deeply interwoven with its structure, creating a cohesive narrative that spans history, philosophy, and theology. One of the central themes is the equality of all humans, grounded in the belief that every individual is created in the image of God. This theological foundation underpins Faur’s argument for a society governed by law rather than power. Another key theme is the role of law as the foundation of freedom. Faur presents the covenant at Sinai as a constitutional moment, where the Tora becomes the ultimate source of authority, ensuring justice and protecting individual rights.
A third theme is the preservation of national memory. Faur argues that the Mishnah and Talmud serve as repositories of collective memory, enabling Jews to maintain their identity and autonomy even under foreign rule. This theme is particularly relevant in the context of modernity, where the erosion of traditional structures threatens to sever communities from their historical roots.
Special Lexicon: Alphabetic Judaism and Horizontal Society
Faur introduces a specialized lexicon to articulate his vision, with terms such as “Alphabetic Judaism” and “Horizontal Society” serving as cornerstones of his argument. “Alphabetic Judaism” highlights the centrality of textual traditions in Jewish thought, contrasting with the image-based traditions of other cultures. This emphasis on literacy and textuality reflects Judaism’s commitment to intellectual engagement and moral accountability. “Horizontal Society,” meanwhile, encapsulates Faur’s vision of a society governed by equality and mutual responsibility, standing in opposition to the hierarchical structures that dominate much of human history.
Polemics: A Forceful Critique of Hierarchy
Faur does not shy away from polemics, offering a forceful critique of both external and internal challenges to Judaism’s horizontal ethos. He is particularly critical of Greek rationality, German historiography, and the Documentary Hypothesis, which he views as tools for undermining Jewish textual integrity. He also critiques charismatic leadership, arguing that it fosters dependency and undermines collective responsibility. Within the Jewish world, he condemns movements that prioritize hierarchy or mysticism over the rational and egalitarian principles of the Tora. These critiques are grounded in Faur’s commitment to preserving Judaism’s unique identity and values.
Implications for Contemporary and Future Judaism
The implications of Faur’s work are profound, both for contemporary Judaism and for broader ethical and political discourse. One of the key takeaways is the need to reclaim the covenant-based principles of governance, which emphasize justice, equality, and accountability. In an era of increasing polarization and authoritarianism, Faur’s vision of a horizontal society offers a powerful alternative to hierarchical systems.
Another important implication is the role of education in preserving Jewish identity. Faur stresses the urgency of literacy and critical thinking, warning against the dangers of complacency and intellectual stagnation. He also calls for a renewed engagement with modernity, encouraging Jewish communities to address contemporary ethical and political challenges through the lens of Tora and tradition.
Finally, Faur’s work underscores the importance of resisting assimilation. By emphasizing the unique values and institutions of Judaism, he offers a framework for navigating the complexities of modern identity while remaining rooted in tradition.
Conclusion: A Vision for Ethical Governance and Resilient Identity
The Horizontal Society is a bold and ambitious work that challenges both Jewish and non-Jewish audiences to rethink their assumptions about power, governance, and identity. Through its rigorous analysis and passionate advocacy, R. José Faur offers a vision of Judaism as a horizontal society, rooted in equality, law, and mutual responsibility. This vision is not only a critique of modernity but also a call to action, inviting readers to engage with the ethical and political dimensions of their traditions. In an age of uncertainty and division, Faur’s work stands as a testament to the enduring relevance of Jewish thought and the transformative potential of its covenantal ethos.