Reform Judaism in America: A Biographical Dictionary and Sourcebook (Jewish Denominations in America) [Hardcover]

Kerry M. Olitzky (Editor), Lance J. Sussman (Editor), Malcolm H. Stern (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 30, 1993 | ISBN-10: 0313246289 | ISBN-13: 978-0313246289

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.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“This is both a wonderful and useful volume containing many interesting mini-profiles of major personalities in the reform movement.”–National Post & Opinion

“. . . badly needed, not only for scholars, but for everyone interested in religion in America.”–Fort Lauderdale, FL Weekly

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.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 384 pages
• Publisher: Greenwood Press (March 30, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0313246289
• ISBN-13: 978-0313246289
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,777,316 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)