Description
Book SynopsisPlatforms and Prayer Books is a remarkable collection of essays that illustrates the Reform Jewish theological enterprise at work. Through lively discussions on theological and liturgical topics, noted scholars and rabbis trace the evolution of Reform Judaism, presenting innovative approaches and creative interpretations.
Trade ReviewPlatforms and Prayer Books constitutes required reading for anyone interested in the history, contemporary nature, and future directions of Reform Judaism. This is a comprehensive work, and Dana Kaplan has succeeded in gathering an authoritative body of essays written by a wide range of academics and rabbis that illuminates American Reform Judaism. All who are interested in this subject are in his debt. -- Rabbi David Ellenson, President, Hebrew Union College—Jewish Institute of Religion
These serious, thoughtful, well-researched pieces add up to a multifaceted portrait of a denomination that represents Judaism's longest-lasting confrontation with modernity. -- Robert M.Seltzer, Hunter College, CUNY
The volume as a whole documents important elements of Reform Jewish thought at the end of the 20th century, and as such should be read by students of this movement or of American religion more generally. Recommended. * CHOICE *
A lively and varied collection of essays from insiders and outsiders, Platforms and Prayer Books explores often uncharted territory. Of particular note are the comparative accounts that situate Reform Judaism in dialogue with other Jewish religious movements. Dana Kaplan's choice of articles is sure to provoke enthusiasm and controversy. -- Deborah Dash Moore, Vassar College
Table of ContentsChapter 1 The Reform Theological Enterprise at Work: Debating Theory and Practice in the American Religious "Marketplace" Part 2 The Historical Context Chapter 3 Platforms and Prayer Books: From Exclusivity to Inclusivity in Reform Judaism Chapter 4 "America Is Different!": Reform Judaism and American Pluralism Chapter 5 Miss Daisy's Planet: The Strange World of Reform Judaism in the United States, 1870-1930 Chapter 6 The Theologian of the 1885 Pittsburgh Platform: Kaufmann Kohler's Vision of Progressive Judaism Chapter 7 Renewing Reform Judaism: From Pittsburgh to Pittsburgh Chapter 8 Our Collective Identity as Reform Jews Part 9 Liturgical Studies Chapter 10 The First Reform Prayer Book in America: The Liturgy of the Reformed Society of Israelites Chapter 11 The Continuity of Change in Jewish Liturgy Chapter 12 Meditation in Progressive Judaism Chapter 13 The Challenge of a Single Prayer Book for the Reform Movement Part 14 Comparative Studies Chapter 15 Challenges to Using the Same Measures of Religiosity for Both Christians and Jews Chapter 16 Two Trains Passing: Reconstructionism and Reform in Twentieth-Century American Judaism Chapter 17 The Return of the Liminal to Reform Judaism Chapter 18 Better the Devil You Know: Reflections on Why Baalot Teshuvah Choose Orthodoxy over Reform Judaism Part 19 Autonomy and Authority in Texts and Law Chapter 20 Reform Judaism and Halacha: Rapprochement? Chapter 21 Building a Postmodern Reform Judaism: The Example of Eugene B. Borowitz Chapter 22 Oral Torah: Reading Jewish Text Jewishly in Reform Judaism Chapter 23 Beyond Autonomy: The Texts and Our Lives Chapter 24 American Reform: Observations from the Margins
