Rabbis and Their Discontents


 

Publication Date: May 1985

Publisher: American Jewish Committee

Author(s): Howard Singer

Research Area: Culture and religion

Keywords: Social Patterns; Congregations; Leadership

Type: Brief

Coverage: United States

Abstract:

The author examines the problems faced by rabbis since the 1970's. The coming to power and influence of a generation affected by the anti-intellectual and anti-authority mood of the late 1960's, led to both secularism and "religious consumerism". Congregants have been transformed into judges, and rabbis must meet their needs. This situation has produced discontents among the rabbis, and in many cases led them to leave the pulpit.

In Commentary Magazine vol.79, issue 5 (May 1985).