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. As an unintended result of its success, the movement now struggles with an identity crisis brought on by its liberal theology. Kaplan asks, can Reform Judaism continue to thrive? Can it be broadly inclusive and still be uniquely and authentically Jewish? 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 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.
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Dana Evan Kaplan was born in Manhattan and grew up in New York and Connecticut. He holds a PhD in Jewish history from Tel Aviv University and Rabbinic ordination from the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Jerusalem. Dana has lived and worked in Australia, South Africa, Israel, and the United States. He loves to travel to exotic locales where he scuba dives and hikes.
