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.
About the Author: Richard Damashek, PhD, spent his career as a college English professor. He received his bachelor's degree in English and comparative literature from Rutgers University, his master's degree at Columbia University, and his doctorate at the University of Wisconsin.
In 2013, Damashek published A Brand Plucked from the Fire, his biography of Rabbi Herman E. Schaalman. His latest book, The Gang of Five, expands the scope of his research and follows five refugee rabbinic students. Damashek recently contributed his essay, "Questioning God's Omnipotence and Omniscience: The Evidence in Torah" to the anthology A Life of Meaning: The Essential Guide to Reform Judaism.
When he's not busy researching and writing, Damashek loves spending time with his wife, Jane, and traveling to distant lands. When he can, he enjoys spending time with his children and grandchildren. He and his wife live a happy life in retirement in St. Petersburg, Florida.
