The Power of Transformative Leadership: The Legacy of UAHC President Rabbi Alexander Schindler

More than any other leader in American Reform Judaism, Rabbi Alexander Schindler recognized the unique needs of Reform Jews during the more than two decades (1973-1995) he served as president of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations (UAHC, now known as the Union for Reform Judaism). His vision for Reform Judaism included belonging, learning, commitment to social justice, and a fierce commitment to Israel.

Rabbi Schindler not only led the Reform movement; he was also the only Reform rabbi to be elected chair of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations. As such, from 1976 to 1978, he was the spokesman for most of the American Jewish community. In that capacity, he was able to mediate between American Jews who were politically liberal and Menachem Begin, the Israeli prime minister who espoused a right-wing philosophy. Surprisingly, Rabbi Schindler and Prime Minister Begin established a close personal relationship. A devoted Zionist and champion of the State of Israel, Schindler held the view that American Jews had the right to be critical of Israel's policies just as Israeli Jews had the right to question the attitudes of Jews in the Diaspora.

In addition to building a bridge between American Jews and Israel, Rabbi Schindler faced other pressing issues during his time as a leader of the UAHC, including the rising rates of marriage between Jews and non-Jewish partners. Until the second half of the 20th century, few Jews married non-Jews, but then the rate of interfaith marriages spiked. Most Jewish leaders sought to halt the trend, but Rabbi Schindler conceived of a revolutionary response. He recognized that, in a society which integrated Jews within the broader culture, marriages between Jews and people of other faith traditions would continue. Rather than offering a blanket condemnation, he introduced the radical notion of outreach. This emphasis on inclusion, belonging, and education remains a hallmark of Reform Judaism to this day. In addition to outreach, Rabbi Schindler championed educational initiatives such as Reform Jewish community schools, highlighted the importance of youth programming, and emphasized informal education opportunities such as camping. These educational initiatives still exist today, continuing to preserve and enhance the Reform Jewish community.

Rabbi Schindler was committed to a Reform Judaism that stressed the centrality of a meaningful belief in God. Although convinced of the need for flexibility in theology and ritual practice, he appreciated more traditional expressions of Judaism, especially the religious emotion inherent in Hasidism. This theological framework was coupled with a strong commitment to social action. Rabbi Schindler advocated for civil rights and worked toward the full equality of Jews of all sexual orientations. During his tenure, the first LGBTQ+ synagogue was admitted into the UAHC. He spoke of the importance for empathy and inclusion during a time when AIDS was misunderstood and hostility toward the LGBTQ+ community was widespread. During his time as president of the UAHC, the Religious Action Center expanded to become a vital force for societal change rooted in Reform Jewish values.

Today, Reform Judaism has adapted to much of what, in Schindler's day, was a challenge. But we have yet to live up fully to the vibrant, open, and significant Judaism that Rabbi Alexander Schindler put before us. Are we able to strive toward his goal of a Reform Judaism that remains reverent of tradition even as it confronts the challenges of our time?