Solomon Schechter and conservative Judaism

This study deals with Solomon Schechter's (1849-1915) interpretation of Judaism and his contribution to the Conservative movement. The effect of the historical interpretation adopted by the Conservative movement on Schechter's thought and religious interpretation constitutes the main frame of the study. Having a serious impact on the ideology and institutional identity of Conservative Judaism, Schechter is an early advocate of the "tradition and change" or "middle way" principle identified with the movement. He tried to protect and maintain the relationship between revelation and history without ignoring the other, and offered an alternative solution for the dynamism and continuity of Judaism in the crisis between tradition and modernity with the concept of "Catholic Israel". The reflections of Schechter's scientific identity, which is traditional on the one hand and centered on critical thinking on the other, can be seen in all his writings. He distanced himself from qualifications such as Orthodox or Reformist, emphasizing the "Jewish"umbrella identity instead. The preservation of traditional Judaism in the modern era, as well as its revival and functionalization, is his main goal. In this respect, he played a role in the movement's gaining a character that is dependent on tradition but always considers the phenomenon of change. His resolute stance against assimilation threats from inside or outside, and his intense emphasis on Jewish unity is one of his most basic characteristics. On the other hand, the role played by Schechter as a leader has been influential in the institutional formation of the movement in its early period and in its subsequent action in a wider area. Solomon Schechter has an important place in the history of Conservative Judaism with his broad vision and contribution to its institutional structure. Keywords: Solomon Schechter, Conservative Judaism, Historical School, Jewish Theological Seminary, Science of Judaism, Catholic Israel