This course is designed to provide a survey of the development of the modern Jewish movements in the United States and hopefully shed light on the similarities that we all share.
No books are required for purchase. All readings will be provided in that week’s lesson page.
Course Outline
Modern Movements in Judaism in the United States
Session 1: Movement Judaism in Europe
Session 2: Jewish immigration to the United States 1820-1924
Session 3: Reform Movement in America
Session 4: Orthodox Movement in America
Session 5: Conservative Movement in America
Session 6: Reconstructionist Movement in America
Session 7: Hasidic & Ultra-Orthodox Movements in America
Session 8: Renewal Movement in America
Session 9: Humanistic Judaism in America
Meet your instructor
Rabbi Sandy Zisser is the Founder and Director of the Pluralistic Rabbinical Seminary. Additionally, he serves as the Director of Education at Temple Shaaray Tefila in Westchester County, NY. Rabbi Sandy received his smicha from the Jewish Spiritual Leaders Institute, his Master of Arts in Special Education from Bank Street College, and his Bachelor of Arts in American History and Judaic Studies from the State University of New York at Albany.
Ratings and Reviews
Martin Rawlings-FeinJewish pluralism at its best asks us to stay at the table with people whose G!d concepts stretch us.
Matthew KleinA well taught, and necessary class, for deeply understanding the history and philosophy of the different Jewish sects, and their belief systems.
Overall, this is an excellent survey of pretty much all of Judaism as a religion and, on a superficial level, Jewish religious thought. It allowed me to engage intellectually and religiously with the different underlying "theologies" and "react" to them which helped to continue to shape my own rabbinical theological and practice thinking. To me, the class defines "Jewish pluralism" hence PRS.