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The Case of Feminism— Mechanisms of Change 61

available. It meant that many practical issues were now settled for those already in America and for the constant stream of newcomers. Despite the theological discussions, no broad statements were adopted; nor was a clear position on the status of women.

The Central Conference of American Rabbis organized by Isaac Mayer Wise in 1889, followed democratic procedures and was determined to meet annually to present a forum for discussion of major and minor. Its structure provides continuity which escaped the earlier rabbinic meetings. Its deliberations, resolutions, and responsa continue to provide a path toward change within the Reform Jewish community alongside its lay counterpart the Union of Reform Judaism. The democratic process of resolutions was and continues to be used to deal with many issues. It involved the Conference heavily in contemporary issues of all kinds, and brought Jewish views to the attention of the broader public.

The process of resolutions was quickly refined by the Conference, Resolutions were initially brought to a committee by individuals or groups of rabbis. They were then debated with the committee, rejected or refined at this level, and then sent to the broader conference for further discussion. This process avoided unwieldy discussion at the annual meetings. This mechanism has Proven useful for more than a century. The resolutions were placed into the framework of the Jewish tradition in a general way and usually without a thorough review of the past. That was left to the

Reponsa Committee if it wished to undertake the task or to individual rabbis.

In 1893 the Central Conference adopted a resolution on the Status of Jewish women: