The myth that R. Marcus Jastrow was a reform rabbis is simply not true. He actually was a powerful force in American Jewry for tradition. He was eventually ousted by his congregation because he was too traditional and they preferred Reform. During his farewell sermon, he chastised them over this. Many innovations Jastrow allowed in his synagogue have become ubiquitous in American Orthodox synagogues, like men and woman sitting separately on the same level (i.e. no balcony) and giving a sermon in the vernacular. Although he did allow an organ to played by a non-Jew on Shabbat and Yom Tov, it was based on the notion of “shvut d’shvut b’makom mitzvah,” an idea promulgated by the Hungarian Neologue movement. I think the reason Jastrow is assumed to be Reform is due to his joining with Isaac Mayer Wise for a brief period. But he quickly disassociated himself upon the promulgation of the Pittsburgh Platform. Instead Jastrow joined with Rabbi H. Pereira Mendes in founding the Jewish Theological Seminary, which at that time was to be an Orthodox institution. Persoanlly, I’m convinced that he has a huge and ongoing and increasing s’char in Olam Habah. He shares in the merit of the talmud Torah of every Jew who uses his dictionary in learning Torah. Yehi chelki ito,
Menu