Jewish theology. The beginning of the text sets the stage for an in-depth exploration of Judaism as both a religious and ethical system, emphasizing its historical growth and the dynamic nature of its beliefs. Kohler discusses the meaning of theology, contrasting it with philosophy and establishing a framework for understanding Jewish spirituality. He articulates the necessity of this work amid a landscape where systematic expounding on Jewish faith had been largely absent, aiming to clarify Judaism's essential truths and its relationship with broader human experiences. This early section lays a profound foundation for understanding the evolving nature of Jewish thought as a living tradition, rather than a rigid set of dogmas. (This is an automatically generated summary.)