Platforms and Prayer Books: Theological and Liturgical Perspectives on Reform Judaism - Softcover

Kaplan, Dana Evan

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0742515486 ISBN 13: 9780742515482

Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, 2002

Synopsis

Since the Enlightenment, Jews have sought to understand Judaism as a modern religion in an intellectual context equivalent to Christianity. This shifted the focus of attention away from the ritual commandments to a concern with the universal foundations of the faith. Platforms and Prayer Books analyzes the impact of that shift, presenting new approaches as well as innovative arguments. The essays in this collection express the inherent difficulty of reconciling theory with practice in a liberal religious framework. In addition, they also demonstrate the surprising vitality of a movement that many expected to decline demographically as well as intellectually. Not only is the Reform movement actually increasing in numbers, but, as this book demonstrates, it is also showing an amazing breadth of creativity. Through lively discussions, noted scholars and rabbis trace the evolution of Reform Judaism through discussions on theological and liturgical topics that are grounded in the platforms and prayer books that chart the movement's developments through its 200-year history. Contributors with perspectives from both within and outside of Reform Judaism evaluate trends and interpret changes that have taken and are taking place, exploring the historical context and contemporary significance of Reform Jewish belief.

About this title

About the Author:

Dana Evan Kaplan is the Oppenstein Brothers Assistant Professor of Judaic and Religious Studies in the Department of History and the head of the Danciger Program in Jewish Studies at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. He is the author of Contemporary Debates in American Reform Judaism (2001).

Review:

Platforms 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)

About this edition

• Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 0742515486
• ISBN 13: 9780742515482
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 336