American Jewish Educators' Influence on Israeli Judaism Explored in New Book
Adam S. Ferziger's book, 'Agents of Change: American Jews and the Transformation of Israeli Judaism,' examines the significant impact American Jewish educators have had on Israeli Judaism. The book focuses on the contributions of North American educators who moved to Israel between the mid-1960s and early 1980s, helping to establish a moderate stream of Orthodox Judaism in the country. Ferziger highlights eight key figures, including Rabbi Shlomo Riskin and Rabbi Aharon Lichtenstein, who have played pivotal roles in transforming religious practices and debates in Israel. These educators have influenced areas such as gender roles, LGBTQ inclusion, and religious leadership, with their teachings also resonating in North America through students who studied in Israel and returned home. 
