JWST 347 Lecture Notes - Lecture 14: Neolog Judaism, Bema, Aaron Chorin

• School: University of Maryland
• Department: Jewish Studies
• Course: JWST 347
• Professor: Rachel Manekin

Document Summary

Until wwi hungary was part of the habsburg (austro-hungarian) monarchy. Jews were required to be members in their local jewish communities. Starting in the 19th century, a growing number of jews became integrated in the economic and cultural life of hungary. Religious reform trends were limited to a relatively small number of rabbis. Supported geiger in the breslau rabbinate dispute. Supported the reofrms in the hamburg temple. Was one of the pioneers of reform judaism. His innovations were based on his religious rulings: unlike geiger who relied on historicism and scholarly treatment of religious jewish texts. Chorin claimed that the talmud is more flexible than contemporary judaism: insisted that innovations should be based on the talmud. Supported the creation of an authoritative religious body (synod) to issue rulings. Chorin turned more progressive and radical with time. He advocated praying with uncovered heads: contemporary sign of respect.