Kaufmann Kohler and the Reform Jewish Press: The Jewish Reformer (1886)

In 1886, Kaufmann Kohler and his circle of liberal rabbis launched The Jewish Reformer to disseminate their vision for Reform Judaism. The impetus was the articulation of the so-called Pittsburgh Platform (November 1885). Though short-lived, the newspaper carried with it high hopes. From its masthead to its choice of English- and German-language articles, the editors meant for The Jewish Reformer to bring together the “radical” and “moderate” branches of America’s Reform Jewish community through the power of the press.