One People, Two Worlds
A Reform Rabbi and an Orthodox Rabbi Explore the Issues That Divide Them
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4.7 • 3 Ratings
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- $14.99
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- $14.99
Publisher Description
For Jews and non-Jews: An honest, intelligent, no-holds-barred discussion of virtually every “hot button” issue on which Reform and Orthodox Jews differ.
After being introduced by a mutual friend in the winter of 2000, Reform Rabbi Ammiel Hirsch and Orthodox Rabbi Yosef Reinman embarked on an unprecedented eighteen-month email correspondence on the fundamental principles of Jewish faith and practice. What resulted is this book: among the discussions the existence of a Supreme Being, the origins and authenticity of the Bible and the Oral Law, the role of women, assimilation, the value of secular culture, and Israel.
Sometimes they agree; more often than not they disagree—and quite sharply, too. But the important thing is that, as they keep talking to each other, they discover that they actually like each other, and, above all, they respect each other. Their journey from mutual suspicion to mutual regard is an extraordinary one; from it, both Jews and non-Jews of all backgrounds can learn a great deal about the practice of Judaism today and about the continuity of the Jewish people into the future.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
From January 21, 2000, to October 1, 2001, two learned and articulate rabbis exchanged 39 lengthy e-mail messages in a spirited but ultimately failed effort to find common ground between Orthodox and Reform Judaism. Through the exchange, they became friends who respected each other even though they firmly rejected each other's points of view. Addressing a number of fundamental issues, they eloquently explain and criticize their opinions in a lively and spirited debate. Both erudite rabbis extensively cite the Bible and Talmud as well as the writings of philosophers and rabbis to support their stances, exploring such issues as women's status, Zionism, homosexuality, assimilation and Israel. Neither interlocutor is swayed by the arguments of the other. For example, while Hirsch, the Reform rabbi, says he will not preside at a homosexual wedding, he argues for tolerance. Reinman, the Orthodox rabbi, quotes the biblical condemnation of homosexuality and asserts the necessity of trying to convert gay people to a straight lifestyle. Hirsch contends that Israel needs religious pluralism, while Reinman retorts that "religious struggle in Israel will only roil and muddy the waters." Readers who are privileged to observe this enlightening disputation will be impressed by the outstanding scholarship of these two rabbis and by their superb capacity to express their views with clarity and determination.
Customer Reviews
Wish It Was Longer!
I read a hard copy instead of a digital copy of this book. It was GREAT! These two go back and forth in a debate style discussion touching on all things Judaism. I personally did not know much about reform or orthodoxy. So this book enlightened me to many things. You'll find yourself disagreeing most of the time with both of them. Ardently agreeing with both of them at other points. The book is easy to read because it is in a discussion format. It can also be very funny reading their insults to each other (passionate people speak with strong words). If the different views of Judaism are of interest to you this book will be enjoyable! I found myself wishing the discussion between the two was longer.