Recent studies point to declining synagogue membership and denominational identification as signs of a crisis in American Judaism. This symposium focuses attention on theological dimensions of the perceived crisis. Six leading thinkers come together to share their unique vantage points on a series of questions: Is American Judaism theologically bankrupt or is it at the cusp of a radically new beginning? How should we diagnose this perceived crisis and what proposals might counter it? How can American Judaism build on traditional Jewish thought to address today’s challenges?

This symposium is divided into five parts.

The audio posted at the top of this article is the second part of this symposium and includes presentations by:  Dr. Arnold M. Eisen, chancellor and professor of Jewish thought, Jewish Theological Seminary, and professor emeritus of religious studies, Stanford University; Dr. Rachel Adler, professor of modern Jewish thought and Judaism and gender, Hebrew Union College-Los Angeles; and Rabbi Dr. Arthur Green, rector of the Rabbinical School, professor of religion at Hebrew College in Boston, and former dean and president of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College.

For other presentations and discussions from this symposium, click on the links below:

Part I: Welcoming Remarks
Part II: Presentations
Part III: Response and Panel Discussion
Part IV: Presentations
Part V: Response and Panel Discussion