Marc B Shapiro
Marc B. Shapiro holds the Weinberg Chair in Judaic Studies at the University of Scranton, a position he has held since 1996. He is a prolific scholar specializing in the history of Jewish thought, particularly in the modern era. Shapiro's academic work often focuses on challenging and critically analyzing traditional Jewish narratives and orthodoxies.
Shapiro earned his PhD from Harvard University, where he studied under the supervision of Professor Isadore Twersky, a noted expert on Maimonides and Jewish intellectual history. His doctoral dissertation focused on aspects of change and continuity in Jewish thought, laying the groundwork for his future research and publications.
Among his numerous publications, Shapiro is perhaps best known for 'The Limits of Orthodox Theology: Maimonides' Thirteen Principles Reappraised,' which was published by the Littman Library of Jewish Civilization. In this book, Shapiro examines the historical and ideological developments of Maimonides' Thirteen Principles, questioning their status as the definitive creed of Orthodox Judaism. His work often sparks debate and discussion, reflecting his role as a thought leader in the study of Jewish theology and history.