Questions for Debate Over Reform Judaism and Its Opponents

Amanda Aussems

Debate Questions to Ask

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Debate Over Reform Judaism and Its Opponents

October 21, 2013 (Monday)

Question for Pro-Reform:

·      Geiger believed that “instituting reforms was not anathema to Judaism because Jewish culture was constantly in flux, engaged with its surroundings and flexible enough to respond to the demands of the time” (287). However, Judaism, as a culture and a religion, is the cement that holds Jews together. Why would changing Judaism in the modern world benefit Jews if, in a sense, there would now be segregation within the Jewish population?

Question for Anti-Reform:

·      Why would reforming, where Jews who wished to proclaim their loyalty to Germany but remain true to Judaism, be seen as a threat to the traditional Judaic way of life?