Methodological Prolegomena to a History of the Reform Movement in Modern Jewry
This essay explores some methodological problems inherent in writing the history of the Reform movement in modern Jewry and suggests certain strategies for dealing with them. The terms "movement" and "Reform" raise questions in our context since neither of them adequately embrace...
| Main Author: | |
|---|---|
| Format: | Electronic Article |
| Language: | English |
| Check availability: | HBZ Gateway |
| Fernleihe: | Fernleihe für die Fachinformationsdienste |
| Published: |
HUC
1983
|
| In: |
Hebrew Union College annual
Year: 1982, Volume: 53, Pages: 309-316 |
| Online Access: |
Volltext (lizenzpflichtig) |
| Parallel Edition: | Non-electronic
|
| Summary: | This essay explores some methodological problems inherent in writing the history of the Reform movement in modern Jewry and suggests certain strategies for dealing with them. The terms "movement" and "Reform" raise questions in our context since neither of them adequately embraces the phenomenon. They must be used with an awareness of their limitations and of the special senses in which they are used. Definitions based on the enumeration of either ideational or social characteristics invariably fail to do justice to the variety contained within Reform. Only a dynamic definition which allows for fundamental change in ideas and social composition can be comprehensive. There are no distinct beginnings of the Reform movement; it comes into being gradually, as various elements coalesce. Its historical contours are distorted when public events are given inordinate attention; subtle changes in individual orientation must be studied. The movement is best examined within both the chronological and the generational structures of time. The measure of salience for its adherents must be considered in every phase of its history. Finally, the boundaries of the movement should be conceived most broadly, so that geographically and ideationally peripheral phenomena can be brought into relationship with the center of gravity and principal impetus of the movement. |
|---|---|
| Contains: | Enthalten in: Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, Hebrew Union College annual
|