The Growth of Reform Judaism

American and European Sources

W. Gunther Plaut

• Publisher: The Jewish Publication Society
• Year: 2015
• Print ISBN: 9780827612174
• eBook ISBN: 9780827612815
• Topic: Theology & Religion
• Subtopic: Jewish Theology

This fiftieth anniversary edition of W. Gunther Plaut's classic second volume on the history of the Jewish Reform Movement is a sourcebook of the original writings that shaped the second century of organized liberal Judaism. The Growth of Reform Judaism features a new introduction, a new epilogue, and important additional primary sources documenting the profound changes of the last fifty years.

Although the emphasis in this volume is chiefly on the American scene, where the movement had its most notable advances, selections of representative liberal Jewish thought in Europe and to a lesser degree in Israel are included as well. These selections help us to understand the emergence and character, problems and tensions of Reform Judaism as it developed and grew in modern times. In addition to the primary texts new to this edition, David Ellenson's epilogue considers the developments of the last fifty years that have continued to shape the course of Reform Judaism.

Table of contents

• Front Cover
• Half-Title page
• Title page
• Copyright page
• INTRODUCTION TO THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION by Howard A. Berman
• Dedication
• Contents
• FOREWORD by Jacob K. Shankmanzz
• PREFACE
• INTRODUCTION
• PART 1—REFORM IN TWO WORLDS
• PART 2—THE AGE OF CRISES
• PART 3—REFORM IN TRANSITION
• EPILOGUE—REFORM JUDAISM AFTER 1948
• Back Cover