Contemporary Debates in American Reform Judaism: Conflicting Visions [Paperback]

Dana Evan Kaplan (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0415926297 | ISBN-13: 978-0415926294 | Publication Date: January 7, 2001 | Edition: 1

This is a ground breaking collection of essays that takes a hard look at the Reform Movement today. Opening essays look at the problem of building a religous community, the competition in the "spiritual marketplace," and why people join or do not join a Reform synagogue. Other contributors look at a host of controversial issues including Patrilineal Descent, Outreach, Intermarriage, gender issues, gay and lesbian participation, and others.

Editorial Reviews

Review

...a groundbreaking collection of essays. -- Indiana Jewish Post and Opinion
Contemporary Debates in American Reform Judaism invites readers to eavesdrop on some of the stormiest and most contentious debates taking place within the Reform Movement in Judaism. Anyone interested in American Judaism and anyone interested in liberal religious movements will want to pay attention to these debates. They illuminate the central religious issues of our time. -- Jonathan D. Sarna, Brandeis University
The largest branch of Judaism in North America, Reform Judaism, is clearly at a theological and sociological crossroads. Questions about intermarriage, autonomy, Israel, tradition, prayer, homosexuality, and outreach to non-Jews have stirred the religious world. Contemporary Debates addresses these critical issues head-on with brilliant clarity and with a thoughtfulness that is nothing less than stunning. Every essay will stimulate your mind and will provoke plenty of healthy debate. A mustread for anyone who cares about the future of liberal religious life! -- Rabbi Charles A. Kroloff, President, Central Conference of American Rabbis and author, When Elijah Knocks: A Religious Response to Homelessness
Dana Evan Kaplan has done his work as an editor with great perception and unflinching honesty. This book is the best portrait of contemporary Reform Judaism. Through his eyes we see its religious seriousness and its continuing struggles with its own soul. -- Arthur Hertzberg, New York University
Contemporary Debates in American Reform Judaism is an admirable compendium of studies, reflections and critiques by thoughtful researchers, rabbis and other scholars as well as by some leaders of the Reform Movement who helped create the phenomena they discuss. It is as up to date as the 1999 Pittsburgh Principles, which are subjected to a diverse range of comment. The book accurately mirrors the clash of passionately held views-from inside as well as outside the Movement-that contribute to the dynamic nature of Reform Judaism in the new century. -- Richard Levy, Hebrew Union College, Los Angeles
The largest branch of Judaism in North America, Reform Judaism, is clearly at a theological and sociological crossroads. Questions about intermarriage, autonomy, Israel, tradition, prayer, homosexuality, and outreach to non-Jews have stirred the religious world. Contemporary Debates addresses these critical issues head-on with brilliant clarity and with a thoughtfulness that is nothing less than stunning. Every essay will stimulate your mind and will provoke plenty of healthy debate. A must read for anyone who cares about the future of liberal religious life! -- Rabbi Charles A. Kroloff, President, Central Conference of American Rabbis and author, When Elijah Knocks: A Religious Response to Homelessness

About the Author

Dana Evan Kaplan is the Oppenstein Brothers assistant Professor of Judaic and Religous Studies in the Department of History and the director of the Danciger Program in Jewish Studies at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Routledge; 1 edition (January 7, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0415926297
• ISBN-13: 978-0415926294
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,863,050 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

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.