Synopses & Reviews
This valuable reference extensively documents the lives and careers of the most influential leaders of Reform Judaism in America. The editors have assembled concise but informative biographical profiles of approximately 170 people. The work spans the period from the beginning of the Reform movement in 1824 through the 1976 Centenary Perspective. The individuals profiled were selected because of their impact on Reform Judaism at a national level. Included are the principal architects of reform, national organizational leaders, distinguished rabbis and academicians, outstanding cantors, volunteer lay activists, and women. The work begins with an essay on the history of Reform Judaism in America. A biographical dictionary follows. Each entry in the dictionary assesses the career and contributions of a particular leader and closes with a short bibliography of works by and about that individual. The dictionary is followed by a set of essays that overview the history of associations related to Reform Judaism. A section of appendices lists the principal figures affiliated with these organizations. An extensive bibliography of primary and secondary sources concludes the work, making it an indispensable reference tool.
Review
This is both a wonderful and useful volume containing many interesting mini-profiles of major personalities in the reform movement.National Post &Opinion
Review
. . . badly needed, not only for scholars, but for everyone interested in religion in America.Fort Lauderdale, FL Weekly
Synopsis
This valuable reference extensively documents the lives and careers of the most influential leaders of Reform Judaism in America. An essay on the history of Reform Judaism begins the work. The essay is followed by a biographical dictionary, which profiles the careers and achievements of the principal architects of reform, national organizational leaders, distinguished rabbis and academicians, outstanding cantors, lay volunteers, and women. Each entry closes with a bibliography of works by and about the person discussed. A series of essays review the history of particular organizations, and a set of appendices lists the principal figures affiliated with these associations. The volume concludes with an exhaustive bibliography of primary and secondary sources.
Synopsis
Biographical profiles and historical essays on Reform Judaism in America.
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. [295]-337) and index.
About the Author
KERRY M. OLITZKY is Director of the School of Education at Hebrew Union College--Jewish Institute of Religion, where he also directs the Doctor of Ministry program.LANCE J. SUSSMAN is Assistant Professor of American Jewish History at SUNY Binghamton and rabbi of Temple Concord in Binghamton, New York.MALCOLM H. STERN is Staff Genealogist of the American Jewish Archives and a lecturer in Jewish History at Hebrew Union College--Jewish Institute of Religion, where he also serves as Field Work Counselor.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Biographical Dictionary
Union of American Hebrew Congregations
Hebrew Union College--Jewish Institute of Religion
Central Conference of American Rabbis
Appendixes
Union of American Hebrew Congregations
Hebrew Union College--Jewish Institute of Religion
Central Conference of American Rabbis
American Conference of Cantors
National Association of Temple Administrators
National Association of Temple Educators
National Federation of Temple Sisterhoods
National Federation of Temple Brotherhoods
World Union for Progressive Judaism
Association of Reform Zionists of America
Kadima
Bibliography
Index