Abraham Geiger

Abraham Geiger

1. Main ideas-different changes that Geiger made and what was needed to develop Reform Judaism

   • Necessary details needed-changed things including language during prayer and study, removed prayers referenced to Zion, Jerusalem, Land of Israel, the Temple and animal sacrifices.
     • Relevant quotes from source-'The first thing he did was abolish the use of the Hebrew language in prayer and study.' 'Next, he removed from the prayers all references to Zion, Jerusalem, the Land of Israel, the Temple, animal sacrifices.' 'Jewish houses of worship the organ was introduced.' 'Mixed choirs were introduced.'

2. Main ideas-reasons why they had led to the development of Reform Judaism. They wanted to make Judaism modern and still stay Jewish.

   • Necessary details needed-Introduces that Geiger was born into a cultural background and stayed a traditional Jewish adherent. Mentions that he became a rabbi but still participated in the scientific approach to Judaism
     • Relevant quotes from source-'Abraham Geiger was born into this cultural milieu. Geiger received a traditional Jewish education.' 'Geiger became a rabbi, but he also participated in the scientific approved to Judaism.' 'By making Judaism a religion of reason, science and aesthetics, they would enable Jews to remain both modern and Jewish.'

3. Main ideas-direct relation back to the statement in the question. It is also about what Geiger did throughout Reform Judaism.

   • Necessary details needed-taught me about the things that Geiger changed in Judaism to develop Reform Judaism.
     • Relevant quotes from source-'Abraham Geiger was a German rabbi and scholar who led in the foundation of Reform Judaism.' 'He served in the synagogue of Wiesbaden and eventually became the chief rabbi of Breslau.' 'Always concerned with teaching as well as synagogue life, he ended his career in Berlin, where he helped found the Institute for the Scientific Study of Judaism.' 'While Reform Judaism was a broad movement with many leading voices, Geiger is often seen as one of its most important founders.'

4. Main ideas-changes that were made towards the development of Reform Judaism. It also had information on how the development impacted of Judaism.

   • Necessary details needed-in this source Geiger changed things throughout Judaism. For example, he changed things during services. Reform Judaism is open to new developments. Reform and Orthodoxy still remain similar in some ways.
     • Relevant quotes from source-'Most dramatic of all has been the complete equality accorded to women.' 'In Reform synagogues they sit together with men, participate actively in public worship and can now also be rabbis.' 'However, Reform Judaism has tried to remain true to its reforming principles by being open to new developments.' 'Despite their different approaches, Reform and Orthodoxy still have more in common than that which separates them.'

5. Main ideas-how Geiger contributed to the development and formation of Reform Judaism. This sources explained why it formed a new expression. It also had an impact on Judaism as a whole and on the individual adherent

   • Necessary details needed-through Enlightenment concerned Geiger about the mass departure of Jewish people from their practices. Also stated why Reform was developed. Refers directly to the statement in the question. Shows different changes they had to go through to develop Reform Judaism. Mentioned that there should be a balance between Reform and Orthodoxy so that there wasn't much of an impact.
     • Relevant quotes from source-'Geiger was deeply concerned about the mass departure of Jews from the practice of Judaism, brought about by the Enlightenment.' 'Judaism had to become a religion based on reason, science and western culture.' 'As a moderate reformed, Geiger was responsible for much of the Reform doctrine.' 'Geiger's principles of Reform identified his efforts to achieve a balance between Reform and traditional Judaism while reflecting on social and cultural conditions of the Jewish people of his time.'