Podcast Summary: "Reform Judaism in America"
In These Times with Rabbi Ami Hirsch
Hosted by Rabbi Ami Hirsch, Stephen Wise Free Synagogue
Release Date: April 3, 2025

Introduction

In the episode titled "Reform Judaism in America," Rabbi Ami Hirsch engages in a profound conversation with David Harris of the Jewish Broadcasting Service (JBS) on the show "Defending Israel." This discussion delves into the current state of Reform Judaism, its relationship with Zionism, and the challenges facing the American Jewish community, especially in the aftermath of the events of October 7, 2025.

Rabbi Ami Hirsch’s Background and Path to Rabbinate

Rabbi Ami Hirsch begins by sharing his personal and familial journey that shaped his commitment to Reform Judaism and Zionism. His father, a Reform rabbi, founded the Religious Action Center in Washington, D.C., in the early 1960s, aligning closely with the civil rights movement. This foundation instilled in Rabbi Hirsch a seamless blend of social justice and Zionist values.

[02:18] Rabbi Ami Hirsch: "My father never saw a contradiction between universalism and particularism, between social justice, what might be termed today in shorthand, Tikkun olam, and Zionism."

At the age of 14, Rabbi Hirsch moved to Israel, where he immersed himself in Israeli society, achieving fluency in Hebrew and serving as a tank commander in the Israel Defense Forces. His pivotal shift from law to the rabbinate occurred during his wedding, influenced by Dean Paul Steinberg of the Hebrew Union College, who encouraged him to embrace his rabbinic calling.

[04:20] Rabbi Ami Hirsch: "I think I'm going to be a rabbi. Now she had married what she thought was going to be a New York Attorney with high earning power. But I think it all worked out well in the end."

Reform Judaism’s Attitude Toward Israel and Zionism

Rabbi Hirsch addresses the paramount importance of Zionism within the Reform movement. He cites empirical surveys indicating strong pro-Israel sentiments among American Jews, particularly within the Reform movement, albeit with a noticeable decline among younger generations.

[06:40] Rabbi Ami Hirsch: "Most American Jews, most liberal American Jews and most Reform American Jews are strongly pro Israel. Something like 80 to 85%, maybe a little less when you zero in on the Reform movement, but very high numbers."

However, he expresses concern over the growing disconnection among younger Jews (ages 18-24), where approximately half identify as either anti-Zionist or hold substantial criticisms of Israel.

[07:48] Rabbi Ami Hirsch: "The younger you go, the less true. That is the last survey that I saw of 18 to 24 year olds... roughly half of them define themselves either as anti Zionist or their criticism of Israel is so substantial that in effect it's the same thing."

Challenges to Jewish Continuity and Identity

The core issue, according to Rabbi Hirsch, lies in the erosion of Jewish identity and literacy. He emphasizes that support for Israel is intrinsically linked to a robust sense of Jewish peoplehood and identity. The decline in Jewish education and affiliation with Jewish institutions, such as synagogues, day schools, and summer camps, exacerbates this issue.

[09:57] Rabbi Ami Hirsch: "It's fundamentally, in my view, it's a question of Jewish identity, Jewish knowledge, Jewish literacy, Jewish education. That's where we have been falling behind now for decades."

Rabbi Hirsch stresses that without strong Jewish identity, the community risks waning support for Israel and the broader Jewish communal life.

Defining Anti-Zionism within Judaism

A critical segment of the discussion revolves around the concept of anti-Zionism among Jews. Rabbi Hirsch articulates that being an anti-Zionist Jew is inherently contradictory because Zionism is deeply rooted in Jewish theological and historical principles.

[14:20] Rabbi Ami Hirsch: "A en mantic contradiction in terms. One, because the novelty of Zionism... rests on the basic principles of Judaism."

He argues that anti-Zionism rejects the centrality of Jewish peoplehood and the covenant between the Jewish people and God, fundamental tenets that underpin Judaism itself.

[14:45] Rabbi Ami Hirsch: "We're not simply a faith community, we're a people. And there is no instance in any Jewish text until modern day Reform Jews... that rejected the centrality of the land of Israel or of the centrality of the peoplehood of Israel."

Rabbi Hirsch further emphasizes that Zionist institutions, including rabbinical seminaries, must align with these foundational beliefs to ensure the continuity and integrity of Jewish leadership.

Impact of October 7th on the American Jewish Community

The events of October 7, 2025, marked a significant turning point for the American Jewish community, revealing vulnerabilities and challenging previously held assumptions. Rabbi Hirsch outlines three major revelations from these events:

1. Existential Threats to Israel: The realization that Israel remains under constant existential threats dispelled the notion that technological and diplomatic advancements could render the nation invulnerable.

   [19:34] Rabbi Ami Hirsch: "Everything changed. In fact, I would say if you're a Jew... you're not living up to the historical demands of the times."

2. Resurgence of Antisemitism in the West: Contrary to prior beliefs of being in a post-antisemitic era, the events underscored the persistence and severity of antisemitism in the United States and Europe.

   [22:35] Rabbi Ami Hirsch: "It revealed that our assumptions about America and America's acceptance of Jews was wrong."

3. Erosion of Liberal Jewish Allies: Institutions and communities previously considered allies, such as universities, exhibited internal hostility and antisemitism, undermining the support system for American Jews.

   [23:06] Rabbi Ami Hirsch: "Some of which were downright antisemitic and tolerated antisemitism... it was shocking."

These revelations have profound implications for Jewish continuity, security, and communal solidarity.

Political Ramifications and Shifts in American Jewish Alignment

The aftermath of October 7th has catalyzed a reassessment of political affiliations within the American Jewish community. Historically aligned with the Democratic Party, many American Jews are now reconsidering this relationship due to perceived shifts in the party’s stance on Israel and related issues.

[25:14] Rabbi Ami Hirsch: "All of a sudden we're looking at the Democratic Party, which was the home of at least two thirds of American Jews... essentially turned against them."

This political realignment poses significant challenges, as the community navigates its identity and priorities in a changing political landscape.

Conclusion: Rabbi Hirsch’s Insights and Outlook

Rabbi Ami Hirsch concludes by highlighting the urgency of addressing Jewish literacy and identity to ensure the future of Reform Judaism in America. He underscores the need for collective action across all Jewish denominations to reverse the trend of declining affiliation and support for Israel. The events of October 7th serve as a wake-up call, emphasizing that the community must adapt and strengthen its foundational values to navigate the complexities of the modern world.

[26:19] David Harris: "It's so important to have your voice. And especially now post October 7th and JBS viewers, Ami Hirsch."

Notable Quotes

• Rabbi Ami Hirsch on Jewish Identity and Zionism:

  [09:57] "It's fundamentally... a question of Jewish identity, Jewish knowledge, Jewish literacy, Jewish education."

• On Anti-Zionism Being Contradictory for Jews:

  [14:20] "A contradiction in terms... if you're Jewish and you say you're an anti Zionist, if it means the destruction of the Jewish state along with all of the consequent destruction of Jewish lives, that for sure is a contradiction in terms."

• Impact of October 7th on Perceptions of Safety:

  [19:36] "We discovered that actually we are not post existential threats against Israel and the Jewish people... it's likely to continue to be that way."

• Political Realignment Post-October 7th:

  [25:34] "American Jews turn around now and they look at a substantial wing of the Democratic Party... has essentially turned against them."

Final Thoughts

This episode provides an in-depth analysis of the current challenges facing Reform Judaism in America, emphasizing the critical role of Jewish education and identity in sustaining the community’s future. Rabbi Ami Hirsch’s insights highlight the intertwined nature of Zionism, Jewish continuity, and political dynamics, offering a compelling narrative for understanding the evolving landscape of American Judaism.