The Importance of the Community Rabbi Leading with Compassionate Halacha By Rabbi Daniel Sperber Urim / 367 pp. In "The Importance of the Community Rabbi" Rabbi Daniel Sperber, whose prominence and accomplishments need no introduction, argues vigorously for today's rabbis to rule more leniently. He presents a fascinating and engaging treasury of hundreds of lenient halachic rulings throughout the ages. Rabbi Sperber argues that issues like sensitivity to people’s feelings, human dignity, "changing circumstances" and "ko'ach d'heteira" should be given more weight in halachic decision making. The precedents are there, clearly presented one after the other with seemingly no end. This book is ultimately amazing. It is one of the few halachic books of recent vintage that have kept me engaged from cover to cover. I was simply blown away by the "bekius" and variety of rulings in this book. His arguments for leniency are power...