The Gang of Five: The Impact of Five German Refugee Rabbinic Students on Twentieth-Century Reform Judaism

This is not just a Jewish story; this is an American story.—Dan Wolf, son of Rabbi Alfred Wolf

Richard Damashek, PhD, follows his captivating biography, A Brand Plucked from the Fire, with another meticulously researched work about the tremendous impact five German rabbinical students had on Reform Judaism and the Jewish community in America. When W. Gunther Plaut, Herman Schaalman, Wolli Kaelter, Alfred Wolf, and Leo Lichtenberg arrived in the United States after fleeing Nazi Germany, they had no plans to rebel against the Reform Judaism of the day, but the contributions of these five men would dramatically alter its course and shape its destiny.

Beginning with their births during World War I, Damashek tells the stories of their early lives, continuing through their escape from Hitler’s regime in 1935, their adaptations to their new country, and their eventual role in shaping twentieth century Reform Judaism.

These five men were refugees and religious outsiders, who helped transform their new religious community. Through their writings and their leadership, they helped promote new and exciting religious experiences for their synagogues and for Reform Judaism around the world. Their contributions to youth summer camping helped revitalize and infuse a much-needed spirituality into late twentieth century Reform Judaism that helped set the stage for its ongoing development. The Gang of Five is a celebration of their lives, their rabbinates, and their contributions to Reform Judaism.