This chapter traces the emergence of Reform Jewish ethical sensibility from its early days in nineteenth-century Germany through its evolution to modern America, Israel, and beyond, identifying four major sensibilities that, while chronologically presented, are nevertheless found among contemporary Reform Jews. These include the notion that ethics rightfully should be the first theology of Judaism, a passion for tikkun olam (repairing the world from injustices), a suspicion and critique of modernity, and an ethics of authenticity.

This chapter traces the emergence of Reform Jewish ethical sensibility from its early days in nineteenth-century Germany through its evolution to modern America, Israel, and beyond, identifying four major sensibilities that, while chronologically presented, are nevertheless found among contemporary Reform Jews. These include the notion that ethics rightfully should be the first theology of Judaism, a passion for tikkun olam (repairing the world from injustices), a suspicion and critique of modernity, and an ethics of authenticity.