A Voice That Spoke for Justice: The Life and Times of Stephen S. Wise

by Melvin I. Urofsky

In the first half of this century, a talented and charismatic leadership restructured the American Jewish community to meet the demands and opportunities of a pluralistic, secular society. The work of this generation of titans still guides the current modes of American Jewish life. The last of these giants was the influential reformer Stephen S. Wise--a progenitor of American Zionism, creator of the American and World Jewish Congresses, and founder of the Jewish Institute of Religion. As rabbi of the Free Synagogue, Wise led the fight for a living Judaism responsive to social problems.

This engrossing study is more than a chronicle of an ethnic community's adjustment to a host society. Thanks to Melvin Urofsky's painstaking research, it succeeds in revealing the true story behind a legendary and controversial figure in American Jewish history.

439 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 1981

About the author

Melvin I. Urofsky is professor of law and public policy and a professor emeritus of history at Virginia Commonwealth University. He received his B.A. from Columbia University in 1961 and doctorate in 1968. He also received his JD from the University of Virginia. He teaches at American University and George Washington University Law School.

Reviews

[Alan Londy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put down this biography. Rabbi Wise was an incredible public Jewish intellectual. His charisma, his intelligence, and his bravery shaped 20th century Jewish life. After reading this book, he became one of my personal heroes.