Synopses & Reviews
The only comprehensive and up-to-date look at Reform Judaism, this book analyzes the forces currently challenging the Reform movement, now the largest Jewish denomination in the United States.
To distinguish itself from Orthodox and Conservative Judaism, the Reform movement tries to be an egalitarian, open, and innovative version of the faith true to the spirit of the tradition but nonetheless fully compatible with modern secular life. Promoting itself in this way, Reform Judaism has been tremendously successful in recruiting a variety of people-intermarried families, feminists, gays and lesbians, and interracial families among others-who resist more traditional forms of worship.
As an unintended result of this success, the movement now struggles with an identity crisis brought on by its liberal theology, which teaches that each Jew is free to practice Judaism more or less as he or she pleases. In the absence of the authority that comes from a theology based on a commanding, all-powerful God, can Reform Judaism continue to thrive? Can it be broadly inclusive and still be uniquely and authentically Jewish?
Taking this question as his point of departure, Dana Evan Kaplan provides a broad overview of the American Reform movement and its history, theology, and politics. He then takes a hard look at the challenges the movement faces as it attempts to reinvent itself in the new millennium. In so doing, Kaplan gives the reader a sense of where Reform Judaism has come from, where it stands on the major issues, and where it may be going.
Addressing the issues that have confronted the movement-including the ordination of women, acceptance of homosexuality, the problem of assimilation, the question of rabbinic officiation at intermarriages, the struggle for acceptance in Israel, and Jewish education and others-Kaplan sheds light on the connection between Reform ideology and cultural realities. He unflinchingly, yet optimistically, assesses the movement's future and cautions that stormy weather may be ahead.
Review
"A rabbi and a scholar, Kaplan combines his impressive background with diligent research and strong opinions to produce this lively account of Reform Judaism. . . . While Kaplan's presentation focuses on Reform Judaism, his astute reasoning has value for all religious groups that struggle with maintaining their established beliefs in the face of the demands and challenges posed by modernity." Publishers Weekly
Review
"Kaplan has performed a major service by producing this honest and nuanced account of American Reform Judaism at the turn of the new century." From the foreword by Arthur Hertzberg, author of A Jew in America
Review
"Part description, part prescription, American Reform Judaism introduces readers to the history, theology, innovations, issues, controversies and challenges of America's largest and most elusive Jewish religious movement. A readable, accessible, critical and timely survey, it should be read not only by committed Reform Jews, but by everyone seeking to understand the strengths and weaknesses of liberal religious movements in the United States." Jonathan D. Sarna, Joseph H. & Belle R. Braun Professor of American Jewish History, Brandeis University
Synopsis
An optimistic yet provocative look at the history and future of Reform Judaism
Synopsis
Addressing the issues that have confronted the movement—including the ordination of women, acceptance of homosexuality, the problem of assimilation, the question of rabbinic officiation at intermarriages, the struggle for acceptance in Israel, and Jewish education and others—Kaplan sheds light on the connection between Reform ideology and cultural realities. He unflinchingly, yet optimistically, assesses the movement’s future and cautions that stormy weather may be ahead.
About the Author
Dana Evan Kaplan is the Oppenstein Brothers Assistant Professor of Judaic and Religious Studies at the University of Missouri-Kansas City and a research fellow at the University of Miami. He is Rabbi of Congregation B'nai Israel in Albany, Georgia. He is the author of Contemporary Debates in American Reform Judaism, Platforms and Prayerbooks and The Cambridge Companion to American Judaism (forthcoming).