Reform Judaism is today one of the three major branches of the Jewish faith. This is a history of the Reform movement, tracing its changing configuration and self-understanding from the beginnings of modernisation in late 18th-century Jewish thought and practice to American renewal in the 1970s.
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 5.0 / 5.0
Best History of Reform Judaism:
This book is the single best resource for the history of the Reform Movement. Dr. Meyer writes as he speaks; engaging and thorough.
Excellent Discussion of Reform Origins and History:
As a committed Progressive Jew who fluctuates between Reform and Reconstructionist affiliation, I was glad to stumble upon Michael Meyer's excellent history of the Reform Movement. Meyer traces the development of Reform from the early years in Hamburg and Berlin to recent decisions made the Central Conference of American Rabbis. In so doing, he explodes a number of horrific myths that Orthodox "Judaism" lobs at Reform: that significant numbers of Reform congregations shifted their main day of worship to... more info
A fascinating history of the Reform movement:
Michael Meyer's clear-eyed history of the Reform (a.k.a. 'Progressive') movement should be read by anyone who wants to understand the current fragmented condition of modern Jewry. Meyer makes eminently clear that it is the Reformers who departed from the traditional faith of Judaism and thereby founded a new religion at odds with (what they came to call) Orthodoxy. (Meyer himself is clearly favourable toward this approach, but he is at least unblinkingly honest about it.) Anyone affiliated with Reform or... more info
A first-rate history of Reform Judaism:
Professor Meyer's history of Reform Judaism is so rich, comprehensive, and lucid, that I cannot imagine that it has much serious competition as the best single-volume treatment of the subject. Highly recommended for those interested in gaining literacy on the topic, or much insight into the creation of a modern religion. Enthusiastically endorsed!
