Rabbi Ammiel Hirsch and the Anti-Zionist Crisis Facing Reform Judaism

This series is sponsored by Joel and Lynn Mael in memory of Estelle and Nysen Mael.

In this special video episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we follow up on our recent conversation on Jewish Peoplehood in America’s Jewish movements.

That podcast was recorded prior to Oct. 7, and, though Rabbi Hirsch’s previous comments remain relevant, we thought that discussion deserved an addendum. In this episode we discuss:

—What is the role of Jewish Peoplehood in our universalistic work and concerns?
—Why do many younger Jews have a different understanding of Israel than previous generations?
—What can movements do to strengthen Jewish identity?

Tune in to hear a conversation about the past, present, and future of American Jewry.

Rabbi Ammiel Hirsch is a leader of the Reform Movement. He is the senior rabbi of Stephen Wise Free Synagogue and former executive director of the Association of Reform Zionists of America/World Union for Progressive Judaism, North America. He wrote two books: The Lilac Tree: A Rabbi’s Reflections on Love, Courage, and History (2023) and One People, Two Worlds: A Reform Rabbi and an Orthodox Rabbi Explore the Issues That Divide Them (2003), which he co-authored with Rabbi Yaakov Yosef Reinman.

References:

Leviticus 19:17

Genesis 12:3

Amos 9

The War of Return by Adi Schwartz and Einat Wilf

Jewish Wisdom by Joseph Telushkin

The Book of Jewish Values by Joseph Telushkin