Amidst the political news, March Madness and Spring Training, you probably didn't see much about the bicentennial of Reform Judaism. My teacher, Rabbi Gary Zola, recently sent me one of his hilarious, regular "schnorrer letters" on behalf of the American Jewish Archives in Cincinnati. In it, he reminded me of the special occasion:
It was two hundred years ago, on July 17, 1810, that the German financier, Israel Jacobson (1768 - 1828), inaugurated a small "temple" in his gymnasium in Seesan. In this little sanctuary, Jacobson instituted extraordinary changes in Jewish worship. Jewish prayers were recited in the vernacular, hymns with organ accompaniment were sung, and the liturgy was shortened. It was Jacobson who personally instituted the first confirmation ceremony.
Two hundred years later and still praying in the vernacular, singing with the organ and keeping it shorter than that other shul. Be sure to check out the AJA website for some interesting documents and upcoming programs. And while you're at it, Dr. Zola always appreciates donations as they are "the chance to prove that money will never make me [Dr. Zola] happy!"
It was two hundred years ago, on July 17, 1810, that the German financier, Israel Jacobson (1768 - 1828), inaugurated a small "temple" in his gymnasium in Seesan. In this little sanctuary, Jacobson instituted extraordinary changes in Jewish worship. Jewish prayers were recited in the vernacular, hymns with organ accompaniment were sung, and the liturgy was shortened. It was Jacobson who personally instituted the first confirmation ceremony.
Two hundred years later and still praying in the vernacular, singing with the organ and keeping it shorter than that other shul. Be sure to check out the AJA website for some interesting documents and upcoming programs. And while you're at it, Dr. Zola always appreciates donations as they are "the chance to prove that money will never make me [Dr. Zola] happy!"
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