Abraham Geiger's Liberal Judaism: Personal Meaning and Religious Authority

by Ken Koltun-Fromm

Overview

German rabbi, scholar, and theologian Abraham Geiger (1810–1874) is recognized as the principal leader of the Reform movement in German Judaism. In his new work, Ken Koltun-Fromm argues that for Geiger personal meaning in religion—rather than rote ritual practice or acceptance of dogma—was the key to religion’s moral authority. In five chapters, the book explores issues central to Geiger’s work that speak to contemporary Jewish practice—historical memory, biblical interpretation, ritual and gender practices, rabbinic authority, and Jewish education. This is essential reading for scholars, rabbis, rabbinical students, and informed Jewish readers interested in Conservative and Reform Judaism.

Published with the generous support of the Lucius N. Littauer Foundation.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780253111852
Publisher:	Indiana University Press
Publication date:	07/13/2006
Series:	Jewish Literature and Culture
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	192
File size:	346 KB

About the Author

Ken Koltun-Fromm is Associate Professor of Religion at Haverford College and author of Moses Hess and Modern Jewish Identity (IUP, 2001), winner of the Koret Jewish Book Award for Philosophy and Thought.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments
Introduction: Abraham Geiger, Religious Authority, and Personal Meaning
1. Historical Memory and the Authority of Religious Judaism
2. The Practice of Hermeneutical Authority
3. The Gendered Politics of Authority
4. Rabbinic Authority
5. Jewish Education and the Authority of Personal Meaning
Conclusion: The Practice of Authority
Notes
Index

Editorial Reviews

"... Koltun—Fromm (Haverford) convincingly articulates the heart of Geiger's theology.... [He] argues that, despite certain blind spots in his thinking, Geiger's consistent understanding of personal authority in his writings on hermeneutics, Jewish worship and ritual, rabbinical leadership, and religious education is a potent resource for 21st—century Jews.... Recommended." —Choice

From the Publisher

"... Koltun—Fromm (Haverford) convincingly articulates the heart of Geiger's theology.... [He] argues that, despite certain blind spots in his thinking, Geiger's consistent understanding of personal authority in his writings on hermeneutics, Jewish worship and ritual, rabbinical leadership, and religious education is a potent resource for 21st—century Jews.... Recommended." —Choice

Choice