An American Philosophy of Conservative Judaism [Robert Gordis]

Nowhere have the problems facing Jewish life been more acute, or the prospects for its survival more breathtaking, than in 20th century America. In nearly every other corner of the globe Jews must battle desperately for mere existence. The only large Jewish community outside of Palestine that is not in imminent danger of physical or spiritual extinction is American Israel. Free form the restraints and compulsions of the Old World, American Jews are thoroughly integrated into the pattern of a progressive democracy. Accordingly they have an unprecedented opportunity to build a Jewish Life rich in content and creative achievement. Fortunately American Israel is not altogether unprepared for tomorrow. Observers of all schools of thought are agreed that the movement popularly called Conservative Judaism represents a distinctive interpretation and adjustment of traditional Judaism to the American scene. As a result it has had a phenomenal growth during the past three decades. For a variety of reasons its scholars and leaders have until recently been loath to elaborate its philosophy.

Title: An American Philosophy of Conservative Judaism [Robert Gordis]