Jewish Theological Seminary of America

Positive-Historical Judaism in America

About this time in America, Rabbi Sabato Morais championed the conservative reaction to American Reform. At one time Rabbi Morais had been a voice for moderation within the coalition of Reformers. He had opposed the more radical changes, but was open to moderate changes that would not offend traditional sensibilities. After the Reform movement published the Pittsburgh Platform, Rabbi Morais recognized the futility of his efforts and began the creation of a new rabbinical school in New York City. He was soon joined by Rabbi Alexander Kohut and Rabbi Bernard Drachman, both of whom had received smicha (rabbinic ordination) at Rabbi Frankel's Breslau seminary. They shaped the curriculum and philosophy of the new school after Rabbi Frankel's seminary.

Related Topics:
Sabato Morais - Reform - New York City - Alexander Kohut - Bernard Drachman

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In 1902, Professor Solomon Schechter assumed presidency of JTS. In a series of papers he articulated an ideology for the movement. In 1913 he presided over the creation of the United Synagogue of America. (The name was changed in 1991 to the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism.)

Related Topics:
Solomon Schechter - United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism

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Prominent at the seminary were such luminaries as Saul Lieberman, Alexander Marx, and others as well.

Related Topics:
Saul Lieberman - Alexander Marx

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David Weiss Halivni, now the Lucius Littauer Professor of Classical Jewish Civilization at Columbia University, previously taught at JTS. He left in the 1980s, shortly after their decision to ordain women as rabbis. Many believe the decision to ordain women was the direct cause of Halivni leaving, although others believe it to be a result of academic politics.

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See also: Conservative Judaism -- Rabbinical Assembly -- United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism

Related Topics:
Conservative Judaism - Rabbinical Assembly - United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism

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