The disadvantage of being responsible for the responsa committee of the CCAR is that there is little time to study issues deeply. It means that one must suddenly shift attention to an inquiry in what may be new and unknown territory. This was pleasant for a time but also frustrating. Although I have continued to write responsa as well as halakhic letters, which are less formal, I do so on a selective basis and often refer individuals to the Responsa Committee and its chair.
As 1 wished to concentrate more on specific issues and also wanted to provide a more systematic background for the modern problems that confront us, I sought a way of preparing major position papers along with practical guidance for aspects of modern Jewish life. A new committee of the CCAR seemed like an appropriate vehicle. It was appointed but proved difficult as the organizational nature of the CCAR imposes restraints on committee membership and publications.
Even as I was thinking of a separate organization for this purpose, Moshe Zemer came along with his thoughts. It seemed logical to combine our efforts and to create a worldwide organization, which would also help Israeli Reform Judaism. The pattern which has developed gives Moshe as Director a free hand to do what he wishes in Israel with modest American financial backing. I hope that he will develop matters further in Israel . Our main effort has been concentrated in North America with considerable joint planning. I have taken care of the major aspects of the symposia and everything connected with membership, book editing and publication, the triennial Halakhah , and all mailings. As I have become more involved in central and eastern Europe through the presidency of the Abraham Geiger College in Potsdam, I have worked to expand our efforts and membership in those lands. A very informal governing structure made all of this possible for both of us.
The Institute continues to flourish with the blessings of the Central Conference of American Rabbis. The Central Conference