On The Generation Reform Movement Of The 19th Century, Reform Judaism

Reform Judaismâ‘ was the first movement to reform the old Judaism. It used its special"idea of change and progress"to re-evaluate Judaism and comprehend the modern society. Its reform successfully guaranteed the Jew's survival and improvement in the 19th century temperament. Its emergence and achievement had, whether at that time or hereafter, exerted a tremendous influence upon the Jew. We can find books and essays about Reform Judaism in China or abroad. However, there is no much summarization about its historic influence and practical significance. The article reviews the background, purpose, reform and achievement of Reform Judaism and then summarizes its influence emphatically. It will help us to understand Reform Judaism better, and moreover, we can find the religious factor behind the mightiness of American Jews and the Jew's coherence.The thesis is divided into three parts: preface, main body and conclusion.The preface part is about the historic position and influence of Reform Judaism and the current trend in the field. Due to the scarce commentary on the influence of Reform Judaism, the article puts great emphasis on it. The main body of the paper is described from the following aspects: What Reform Judaism is, its emergence in Europe, its development in America and its historic influence and practical significance.First, the article introduces what Reform Judaism is. The main ideas of Reform Judaism are"progressive revelation", the"mission of Israel"and the"abolishment of Restoration". They derived from Hegelian philosophy, Nachman Krochmal'sâ‘¡points of view and Abraham Geiger'sâ‘¢reform theories. The basic character of Reform Judaism is the"idea of change and progress"which represents in the attitude to Judaism and modern life.Second, the article presents Reform Judaism's emergence, claims and reform.