Above All, We Are Jews: A Biography of Rabbi Alexander Schindler

Rabbi Alexander Schindler (1925-2000) was an extraordinarily influential leader in the history of Reform Judaism. From 1973 to 1996, he served as president of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations (today’s Union for Reform Judaism), where his charisma and vision raised the Reform Movement to unprecedented influence. Never afraid to be controversial, he argued for recognizing patrilineal descent, institutionalized outreach to interfaith families and non-Jews, and championed LGBTQ rights and racial equality. He was a tireless advocate for Israel while maintaining diaspora Jews’ right to speak out independently on the Jewish state. In this nuanced biography, historian Michael A. Meyer draws on extensive archival research and interviews to paint a definitive portrait of Schindler’s life.

Alex Schindler was daring and visionary, radical and optimistic. In this honest and compelling book, Michael Meyer reminds us why Schindler was a truly great Jewish leader, the last one to galvanize the entire Jewish community and win support from across the religious and political spectrum.

---Rabbi Eric Yoffie, President Emeritus, Union for Reform Judaism

In addition to a fascinating biography of Alexander Schindler, one of American Judaism’s most important political and religious leaders, Michael Meyer has given us a brilliant study of post-World War II Jewish religious thought and politics.

---Susannah Heschel, Eli M. Black Distinguished Professor, Dartmouth College

How and why Alexander Schindler emerged among the twentieth century’s most influential rabbis is captured vividly in this insightful biography by one of American Jewry’s most respected historians, Michael Meyer. Professor Meyer analyzes Schindler’s visionary leadership and compelling eloquence, assessing candidly the transformative impact that his focus on radical inclusiveness, social justice, and loving criticism of Israel continues to have on every non-Orthodox stream.

---Rabbi David Saperstein, Director Emeritus, Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism

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