New Books Network Leah Hochman and Stanley M. Davids, "Re-forming Judaism: Moments of Disruption in Jewish Thought" (Central Conference of American Rabbis, 2023)
Sep 7, 2025
Dr. Leah Hochman, an Associate Professor of Jewish Thought, discusses the dynamic interplay of continuity and change in Judaism. She highlights how historical disruptions, from ancient prophets to modern feminist movements, have reshaped Jewish thought. The conversation delves into the impact of influential figures like Moses Mendelssohn and contrasts traditional beliefs with contemporary innovations. Hochman also explores the evolution of Jewish education in the digital age, emphasizing diverse narratives that enhance the understanding of modern Jewish identity.
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Title Conveys Continuous Re-Forming
- The book's title, Reforming Judaism, signals both construction and continual reworking of Judaism through disruptive moments.
- Editors framed disruptions as alternative paths that reshape how Judaism gets told and practiced.
Selection Driven By Timeline And Practicality
- Selection mixed intentional structure and practical limits like author availability and pandemic disruptions.
- Editors prioritized a thought-timeline over strict historical or geographic coverage.
Stan Davids’s Passion Project
- Stanley M. Davids loved his deep dive on Shabtai Zvi and relished researching it even if he disliked edits.
- His essay became a pivot point illustrating roads shut down and external detours in Jewish history.
