Description
Book SynopsisFor some twenty years from the late 1960s, and thereafter following a brief pause, representatives of British Jewry’s religious orientations held closed-door meetings at the Chief Rabbi’s residence in attempts to bridge their communal and halachic differences. So secret were they that barely a word broke through, and until now the details of their often fiery disputations – both verbally and in writing – have never been revealed. In an exclusive glimpse into this shrouded arena,
Closed Doors, Open Minds presents an important new chapter in Meir Persoff’s acclaimed series on the British Chief Rabbinate, deftly unraveling the manifold theological and ideological strands of its multi-hued tapestry.
Trade Review"In Closed Doors, Open Minds
, the distinguished former JC
journalist Meir Persoff documents the history of this dialogue. It is a rigorous, balanced and thoughtful presentation, made all the more striking because what one might have expected to be a straightforward liaison between the religious leaders of British Jewry turned out to be an emotional and spiritual roller coaster for its participants." - Jewish ChronicleTable of Contents
- Preface
- Foreword, by Aubrey Newman
- Chapter I, 1945–1960: Strife and Sanctity
- Chapter II, 1960–1970: Gestures and Concessions
- Chapter III, 1970–1980: Disputes and Divisions
- Chapter IV, 1980–1990: Dissent and Disunity
- Chapter V, 1990–2000: Kinship and Courtesy
- Notes
- Bibliography
- Index
