An Analysis of the Decline and Future of Conservative Judaism
Authors : Mustafa Şahin
Pages : 201-238
Doi:10.12730/is.1649786
View : 171 | Download : 273
Publication Date : 2025-12-31
Article Type : Research Paper
Abstract :Compared to the Reform and Orthodox movements in the United States, Conservative Judaism has experienced the tension between tradition and change much more intensely. The “middle way” ideal has inevitably left the Conservative movement open to criticism in every period. Conservative Judaism, which remained the most popular movement in the United States from the last quarter of the 19th century -when it began to evolve into an institutional dimension- until roughly the end of the 20th century, is currently experiencing a period of crisis. The article, which aims to reveal the main reasons that played role in the decline of the Conservative movement and to draw a framework for its future, examines both of these areas with references to the founding ideology of the movement. Within this framework, the research has been conducted in the context of the vision of Judaism advanced by the movement’s founding leader Solomon Schechter (1849-1915). This main groundwork performs a critical function in helping to compare the idealized Conservative understanding of religion with the current state of the movement, thus helping to identify problematic points and to make forward-looking comments and predictions. The Conservative movement has not been able to evaluate the ongoing process of decline as part of a comprehensive research initiative from within the movement itself. It is hoped that this article will contribute to the literature as a critical study. Regarding the future of the movement, this article defends the thesis that establishing a close relationship with Orthodox Jews who have certain characteristics can play a vital role in the Conservative movement’s recovery from its present state of crisis.Keywords : Dinler tarihi, Muhafazakâr Yahudilik, entelektüel hareketler, Solomon Schechter, Katolik İsrail, kurumsal kriz, Modern Orthodoks Yahudilik, Open Ortodoksi
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