Mel Scult Releases Tapes of His 1972 Conversations With Mordecai Kaplan
| |
Mel Scult Releases Tapes of His 1972 Conversations With Mordecai Kaplan |
|
In June 1972, Kaplan biographer Mel Scult audiotaped conversations between himself and Kaplan. The following audioclips of their conversations provide a rare and fascinating insight into the essence of Mordecai Kaplan and to the foundational roots of Reconstructionist Judaism. |  |
|
Note: if you use a dial-up modem for your Internet connection, an audioclip will take from 20-40 seconds to download.
Introduction Broad-Band version Dial-Up version Mel Scult provides the context of his conversations with Mordecai Kaplan in June 1972. Background Broad-Band version Dial-Up version Scult takes us from Kaplan's early years in Vilna, Lithuania, to his immigration to America. His education and work as a rabbi is introduced. Kaplan's 1960 Speech Broad-Band version Dial-Up version Addressing congregants at Park Avenue Synagogue in New York City, Kaplan speaks passionately about belief in God and the manifestation of divinity in human experience. Living in Two Worlds Broad-Band version Dial-Up version Kaplan discusses the Hebrew date of his birth which, for many years, was the only date he knew. This story serves as a reference point to Kaplan's emerging philosophy. Day of His Birth Broad-Band version Dial-Up version Kaplan's birth on erev Shabbat was marked as a momentous occasion by his father. Kaplan's Mother Broad-Band version Dial-Up version Anna Kaplan educated herself in the teachings of Judaism, regularly reading from a sophisticated translation of the Psalms. Kaplan's Attendance at Heder Broad-Band version Dial-Up version Jewish education is recounted through young Kaplan's experiences. He notes his father's desire to educate both Mordecai and his sister Sophie, and cites the elder Kaplan's beginning conceptualization of Jewish civilization and peoplehood. Kaplan as Chief Rabbi Broad-Band version Dial-Up version Why Kaplan declined the opportunity to become chief rabbi of the British Empire. Kaplan And Rabbi Joseph Hertz Broad-Band version Dial-Up version A lighthearted encounter between Kaplan and Chief Rabbi Joseph Hertz is shared. These clips are for personal use only. Copyright © 2005 Mel Scult All Rights Reserved |
Mar 24, 2005