Many, if not all of you have heard of ChatGPT, the Artificial Intelligence engine which can generate all kinds of writing. I decided to give it a try. I asked it for “the origins of Reform Judaism.” The following is what it wrote in about 20 seconds.

 

Very interesting. And true, but superficial:

Reform Judaism is a denomination of Judaism that emerged in the early 19th century in Germany, as a response to the challenges of modernity and the Enlightenment. Its origins can be traced back to a group of Jewish intellectuals and rabbis who sought to modernize Judaism by adapting its traditions and practices to the changing social,cultural, and political conditions of the time.

One of the key figures in the development of Reform Judaism was Rabbi Abraham Geiger (1810-1874), who advocated for a critical study of Jewish texts and traditions, and believed that Judaism should be reformed to make it more compatible with modern science, reason, and morality. He argued that the essence of Judaism lay not in its rituals and ceremonies, but in its ethical and spiritual teachings.

Another important figure was Rabbi Samuel Holdheim (1806-1860), who believed that Jewish law (halakha) should be adapted to the needs of the modern world, and that the authority of the rabbis should be replaced by a democratic system of decision-making. He also advocated for the use of the vernacular language in Jewish worship, and the elimination of traditional practices that were deemed outdated or irrational.

The first Reform Jewish prayer book, the Minhag America, was published in the United States in 1847, and included significant changes to traditional liturgy and practices, such as the elimination of prayers for the restoration of the Temple in Jerusalem, and the  ubstitution of German hymns for traditional psalms.

Reform Judaism has continued to evolve and adapt over the years, as new challenges and opportunities have arisen. Today, Reform Judaism is one of the largest and most liberal Jewish denominations, with a strong commitment to social justice, inclusivity, and the empowerment of all Jews, regardless of gender, sexuality, or background.

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Charles Flum,

President, Naples Jewish Congregation