A REFORM RABBI IN THE PROGRESSIVE ERA: THE EARLY CAREER OF STEPHEN S. WISE (JUDAISM, ZIONISM; NEW YORK, OREGON)

Stephen Wise, rabbi, Zionist, and Progressive crusader, was probably one of the best known American Jews. Although Wise is usually thought of as the founder of several major Jewish institutions, he was also a major Jewish figure in the Social Justice movement in America.;The first section explains why Wise became a Reform rabbi and a Zionist leader. It delineates not only his psychological motivation for entering the rabbinate and embracing Zionism, but it also suggests that his American education led him to adopt a liberal approach to Judaism.;The core of this study focuses on Wise during the first two decades of the twentieth century. As a young rabbi in Oregon, Wise formulated a new Jewish theology. His study of the ethical precepts of the Hebrew Prophets inspired him to pursue such Progressive causes as civic reform, labor reform and the defense of minority rights. He also had an opportunity to engage in interfaith activities and to help oppressed Jews overseas.;Wise continued this work when he established the Free Synagogue in New York. The Free Synagogue's Downtown Branch and Social Service Division served not only some of the pressing needs of New York Jewry, but also served to strengthen the development of Jewish social work as a profession. His liberal theology also led to greater involvement outside of the Jewish community.;This dissertation undertakes a close critical examination of Wise's life from his early childhood until the end of World War I. Based primarily on manuscript sources, this study also makes use of Wise's collected sermons and other published works.;The apex of Wise's involvement of the American reform movement occurred during the years 1912-1918. Wise had been closely identified with Progressive politics, but the outbreak of World War I forced him to establish new priorities. He broke with the pacifist-Progressives and devoted himself to the Zionist cause; he also helped to establish the democratic American Jewish Congress. His championship of the Congress movement and American Zionism helped to make Wise an important Jewish leader in the United States.