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Institute of Creative Judaism papers

 Collection
Identifier: Mss 1003

Collection Overview

Organizational papers, correspondence, lists, promotional materials, publications and related materials (1972-1984). Papers of the Institute comprise three short series. The first series, correspondence (1972-1984, 1989), consists mostly of photocopies of letters, etc., sent to early members and founders, with some original letters included as well. The major correspondents are Rabbi Anthony Holz (b. 1942) and Rabbi Alvin J. Reines (b. 1926). The correspondence regards founding and running the organization, with many letters of resignation and protest regarding Reines's policies. Organization papers (1972-1984) include photocopies of incorporation papers, founding principles, regulations, notes on annual gatherings, lists of various names of members and contacts, including promotional contacts, some issue papers, such as that of women rabbis and religious education, and copies of journal and newspaper articles on the Institute and Judaism. Publications include a broken run (1976-1985) of the newsletter The Communicator

Dates

  • Creation: 1972-1985

Creator

Access Restrictions

This collection is open for research.

Copyright Notice

The nature of the College of Charleston's archival holdings means that copyright or other information about restrictions may be difficult or even impossible to determine despite reasonable efforts. Special Collections claims only physical ownership of most archival materials.

The materials from our collections are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study, pursuant to U.S. copyright law. The user must assume full responsibility for any use of the materials, including but not limited to, infringement of copyright and publication rights of reproduced materials. Any materials used for academic research or otherwise should be fully credited with the source.

Biographical Note

The Institute of Creative Judaism (described as a think-tank for Liberal or Reform Judaism) was founded in 1971 as a research and development organization "to produce and distribute educational, ritual and liturgical materials for a free or Polydox community." The Institute sponsored the Polydox (as opposed to Orthodox) Jewish Confederation, "the only national Jewish community based on explicitly stated liberal principles. These principles," according to promotional information, "provide the first fundamentally new reorganization of the Jewish community in some 2000 years." The organization appears to have ceased functioning by about 1985.

Extent

1.0 linear feet

Language of Materials

English

Acquisitions Information

Materials donated by Rabbi Anthony Holz.

Title
Inventory of the Institute of Creative Judaism Papers, 1972-1985
Status
Completed
Author
Processed by: Special Collections staff; finding aid created by: Special Collections staff
Description rules
Dacs
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the Special Collections Repository

Contact:
Special Collections
College of Charleston Libraries
66 George Street
Charleston South Carolina 29424
(843) 953-8016
(843) 953-6319 (Fax)