scholars in the Reform , Liberal, and Progressive rabbinate along with some Conservative and Orthodox colleagues as well as university professors serve on our Academic Council. The contributors to this volume are members of this Council.
This collection of essays is the product of the founding colloquium held in London during May 1990. This book is the first in a series which will explore different areas and seek to lead us closer to these goals. The subjects are diverse and the approaches taken by the authors are equally so. We wish to encourage a wide ranging discussion as well as the exploration of contemporary and historic themes.
The editors wish to thank the Rodef Shalom Congregation of Pittsburgh , PA for its continuing support which has made the publication of this volume possible. We also thank Regitze W. Hamburger for her editorial assistance as well as Tina Herman, Barbara W. Bailey, and Leon A. Morris for their work on the manuscript.