Debates between the Reformers and the Orthodox Judaism in Thirties and Forties of 19th Century

Abstract

The thirties and forties of 19th century was an important period of confrontation and controversy between Jewish traditional force and the reform force. In Breslau, in order to catch the religious leadership, the Reformers represented by Geiger and traditional force represented by Tiktin broke out a fierce dispute and eventually split over. The new prayer book reflecting the spirit of the times edited by Hamburg synagogue led to big discussion in the aspects of religious ideas and ritual reform. In Frankfurt and Berlin, the radical religious laymen tried to create a new mechanism of religious life that was independent from rabbinic Judaism. The above-mentioned controversies and changes inspired the growth of reform forces and prepared the conditions for formation and development of Reform Judaism.