Benjamin Brown (scholar)

Benjamin Brown (born July 1, 1966 in Tel Aviv) is an Israeli professor, researcher of Judaism and Jewish thought, lecturer at the Department of Jewish thought at Hebrew University and a researcher at the Israel Democracy Institute. Brown is known for his studies on Orthodox Judaism, especially the ultra-Orthodox community, from the theological, Jewish-legal and historical perspectives. Among other topics, he was the first to trace the development of the concept Daas Torah and its various usages in the haredi (ultra-Orthodox) world. In addition, he published many papers about the Jewish legal ruling system (Halakhah), the Musar movement and the Hasidic movement. In his studies, Brown incorporates concepts, models and analytical tools originating from general philosophy, including legal philosophy.

Brown was born in Tel Aviv and raised in Bnei Brak. In 1987 he began studying law and philosophy at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. In 1990, he married Iris Brown (née Hoizman), who also researches Jewish law and Orthodox Judaism. After receiving his bachelor's degree in law (1993), he worked as an attorney in the field of civil law, but after a short period, returned to Hebrew University to pursue a master's degree in Jewish Thought. In 1997 he wrote his thesis on the topic of “Daas Torah and Belief in Sages in ultra-Orthodox Thought” In 2003 he submitted his doctoral dissertation: “The Hazon Ish – Halakhah, Faith and Society in His Prominent Rulings (1933-1953)”.

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