Mordecai Kaplan

Mordecai Kaplan was a Jewish theologian and educator, best known for founding the Reconstructionist movement in Judaism in the early 20th century. He emphasized Judaism as a evolving civilization rather than merely a religion. Kaplan believed in adapting Jewish traditions to modern life, encouraging active participation in community and culture while emphasizing ethics and social justice. His ideas transformed Jewish thought, making it more inclusive and relevant to contemporary society, and he advocated for a definition of Jewish identity based on shared culture and values rather than strict religious adherence. His work has had a lasting impact on Jewish life and thought.