Aaron Chorin

(1766-1844). Moravian-born pioneer of Reform Judaism in Hungary. As rabbi of Arad (Transylvania) from 1789, Chorin wrote and preached fiercely against customs that he held to be superstitious (e.g. Kapparot). While basing his opinions on the Oral Law, Chorin launched ever more radical attacks on traditional practice and it was only government intervention that enabled him to retain his post in the face of rabbinical censure. His reformist measures (which he justified with citations from rabbinic authorities) included the abolition of Kol Nidré on the Day of Atonement; permitting bareheaded worship and services in the (Hungarian) vernacular as well as the playing of an Organ on Sabbaths and festivals; curtailing the shivah week of Mourning; and waiving Sabbath prohibitions against writing and travel. Chorin was also an ardent promoter of secular education and vocational training for young Jews. Religious tradition, in his view, meant that one should "not simply cling to the dry letter of the Law, but be guided by its spirit."

---