American Reform Judaism: An Introduction Review

Kaplan's three stated goals are to provide a general introduction to the American Reform movement, describe the social and religious forces that impact Reform Judaism, and argue that Reform Judaisms liberal theology makes it difficult to create the type of committed religious community that can perpetuate that commitment from generation to generation. Beginning with an overview of the Reform movement from its origins in nineteenth-century Europe to today, then outlining its basic beliefs and practices. Kaplan traces the evolution of Reform theology and describes the Reform revolution of the 1990s, the changes in synagogue services, and the struggle for recognition in the State of Israel. Kaplan also chronicles the challenges in Reform Jewish education, the efforts to deal with the problem of intermarriage, the struggle for women's equality, the acceptance of gays and lesbians, and the battle over the movement's future. An expansive examination of the religion.

George Cohen
Chicago
June 1, 2003

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