A complete reversal of the extreme stand of the founders of Reform Judaism is involved in the decision of the Central Conference of American Rabbis, the rabbinical body of Reform Judaism in America, to include in the revised version of the Union Hymnal a form of the ancient Kol Nidrei hymn by retaining its former title and the first two words (Kol Nidrei), together with the traditional melody. The new form of the hymn will embody the modern ideas of Reform Judaism.
Dr. Nathan Krass, of Temple Emanu-El of New York, stated in the course of the discussion that the significance of the Kol Nidrei prayer lies in its melody and its first two words. He asserted that “we have outgrown the point of view in the Orthodox prayer” and pleaded for the retention of this prayer, substituting words from the psalms or mediaeval Hebrew poetry. He further proposed that Chaim Bialik, famous Hebrew poet, be invited to write the new version in modern Hebrew.
Rabbi David Phillipson, dean of the American Reform rabbinate, took a stand against the Kol Nidrei prayer, declaring that it was reminiscent of a period of persecution. Rabbi Stephen S. Wise pointed out that the prayer is a consequence and not a cause of the Jew’s martyrdom. Rabbi Isaac Landman, editor of the “American Hebrew,” said that the prayer would be deceptive if the ancient title was used for a completely altered prayer.
VOTE WAS 64 TO 58
The vote on the Kol Nidrei prayer was 64 to 58 in favor of a new form of the prayer suited to modern points of view.
Another equally significant decision of the Conference provides for the inclusion in the revised Hymn of Hatikvah, which is considered the national Jewish hymn of the Zionists and sung at all Zionist meetings. The motion for the inclusion of this hymn was made by Rabbi Stephen S. Wise who declared that it is the one song that Jews throughout the world sing with devotion and enthusiasm because it
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The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
