Reform Judaism in America - The 92nd Street Y, New York

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92NY Humanities Audio Collection

Modern Jewish History: The Search for Jewish Identity

Reform Judaism in America

Feb 9, 1960


Author, lecturer, and philosopher Dr. Eugene Borowitz reflects on why Reform Judaism became dominate in the United States. This lecture is part of a series exploring the modern Jewish identity. Borowitz reviews the history of Judaism in America, emphasizing the particular importance of Germanic Jewish immigration in the 19th Century. He claims that, due to a lack of established discrimination in the United States, organizing an American Jewish community was more voluntary than necessary. He credits German Jewish immigrant communities, who perhaps had been influenced by Reform Judaism in Europe, for voluntarily establishing American Jewish organizations, community, and life. Borowitz also discusses the life and influence of the American Reform rabbi, Isaac Mayer Wise. The lecture is followed with questions from the audience.

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