Academic Studies Press Defenders of the Faith: Studies in Nineteenth- and Twentieth-Century Orthodoxy and Reform (Touro University Press)

The Emancipation of European Jewry during the nineteenth century led to conflict between tradition and modernity, creating a chasm that few believed could be bridged. Unsurprisingly, the emergence of modern traditionalism was fraught with obstacles. The essays published in this collection eloquently depict the passion underlying the disparate views, the particular areas of vexing confrontation and the hurdles faced by champions of tradition. The author identifies and analyzes the many areas of sociological and religious tension that divided the competing factions, including synagogue innovation, circumcision, intermarriage, military service and many others. With compelling writing and clear, articulate style, this illuminating work provides keen insight into the history and development of the various streams of Judaism and the issues that continue to divide them in contemporary times. Review “In this book, Judith Bleich, a professor of Jewish history at Touro University, delineates the history of the relationship between the Orthodox and Reform communities in Germany, France, the US, and elsewhere in the 19th and 20th (and 21st) centuries. … The foundations of the relationship set during this period of contention between the two groups continue to influence and shape the current situation between them. Bleich expertly demonstrates this by using many references and footnotes to connect current developments to the historical record she analyzes. … This book is recommended for academic libraries that want to deepen their collection of materials dealing with the development of Reform and Orthodox Judaism, spirituality and religious history, religious studies, Zionism, and other topics of interest covered in the volume.” ―Eli Lieberman, Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, AJL Reviews “Prof. Judith Bleich, masterful teacher and distinguished scholar of modern Jewish intellectual history, revered rebbetzin in the New York Orthodox community and beyond, is an eminent authority on the emergence of the modern movements of Orthodox and Reform Judaism and the history of the polemics between those movements. A selection of her published essays in the latter area appeared recently as Defenders of the Faith: Studies in Nineteenth-and Twentieth-Century Orthodoxy and Reform. Every essay is characteristically erudite and repercussive, of essential importance to scholars in the field. All, as always, are authored with meticulous attention to historical detail, rigorous analysis of primary and secondary sources, and elegantly crafted prose.” ―Tradition Online Review “A must-read for anyone interested in a lucid and informative account of the Jewish response to modernity in the 19th century. Professor Judith Bleich’s masterful analysis of the historical and halakhic sources, and of the social circumstances of modernity, is nuanced and compelling. Her narrative provides the background necessary for anyone wishing to engage in serious reflection on contemporary Judaism and modernity.” ―Shnayer Leiman, Distinguished Professor of Jewish History and Literature, Touro College Graduate School of Jewish Studies  About the Author Judith Bleich, Ph.D., has been Professor of Judaic Studies at the Touro Graduate School of Jewish Studies since its inception and has taught at the Lander College for Women for over four decades. In 2004, she received the Founding Faculty Award of the Lander College for Women. She specializes in the nineteenth-century development of Reform and Orthodoxy in the wake of the Enlightenment and has written and lectured extensively on modern Jewish history. She serves on the editorial committee of Tradition, is a contributing editor of Jewish Action and a member of the Orthodox Forum Steering Committee.