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Moses Mendelssohn
Transitions from a Talmudic scholar to an enlightenment philosopher. Beginning of Jewish encounter with enlightenment. Marks the beginning of wider integration of Jews in culture of Western Europe and introduced ideas into wider Jewish community. Saw Judaism as a religion of law rather than dogma. -
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Rabbi Mosheh Sofer- Hungarian Orthodox
rejected change to tradition and accommodation with wider culture. Supported the settlement of Israel as an established community separated from secular influences (corrupt) -
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Saul Ascher- leader of Reform movement
Defining feature of Judaism is the religious faith not political or legal constitution.Emphasised certain practises and de-emphasised others -
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Israel Jocobson- reformist
A structured program of reform. A lay leader who transformed the form of service and reduced physical rituals. -
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Rabbi Zachariah Frankel- conservative
traditionalist wing. Believed in slower reform. Change focused on less significant features of Jewish life and practice. -
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Samson Raphael Hirsch- German Orthodox
accepted unchanging authority of halakhah. Believed modernity and emancipation of Jewish community can complement and enhance Jewish mission. Life according to God's will at its core. -
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Abraham Geiger- reformist
Intellectual rabbinic leader of reform. Emphasised themes characteristic of a reform movement. The historical nature of Judaism, contingent nature of practices and beliefs, ethical nature and morality as a key unifying theme. -
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Sabato Morais
In partnership with Alexander Kohut led conservative split in U.S. Supported slower reform. -
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Alexander Kohut- U.S. conservative split
In partnership with sabato Morais led conservative split in U.S. Supported slower reform. -
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Hermann Cohen- reformist
discussions of Judaism in neo-Kantian terms. -
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Rav Abraham Isaac Kook- Orthodox
Approach was inwardly focused. His emphasis was on traditional Jewish mysticism. Believes zionism as a yearning of Jewish soul to fulfil spiritual destiny.