Dana Evan Kaplan

Dana Evan Kaplan, born in 1960, is a Reform rabbi recognized for his extensive writings on American Judaism, with a particular emphasis on Reform Judaism. His scholarly work also delves into American Jewish history and the experiences of Jewish communities in different diaspora settings.

Kaplan's rabbinical journey includes significant periods of study and service in Israel, where he engaged with the challenges and dynamics of Progressive Judaism. He has served congregations in South Africa, Australia, and the United States, advocating for a Judaism that is relevant to contemporary social and political contexts. Since 2019, he has been the rabbi at Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley in Sun City, Arizona, working to build a vibrant, multi-generational congregation and reach out to unaffiliated Jews and those interested in exploring Jewish wisdom.

His early education included Jewish day schools and secular institutions, culminating in degrees from Yeshiva University, Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion (HUC-JIR) in Jerusalem, and a PhD in history from Tel Aviv University. Kaplan's experiences in Israel, including his rabbinic studies and internships, profoundly influenced his understanding of religious pluralism and the complexities of Jewish identity in a global context.

Kaplan pursued an intensive rabbinical education, completing his entire program at the Jerusalem campus of Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion (HUC-JIR) through the Israel Rabbinical Program, which is conducted entirely in Hebrew. During his studies, he served as a student rabbi in Israeli Progressive congregations, gaining firsthand insight into the challenges Reform Judaism faces in Israel, particularly regarding political recognition and funding due to the Orthodox establishment's influence. He also interned at the Israel Religious Action Center (IRAC), focusing on religious pluralism under the guidance of Rabbi Uri Regev. His early rabbinic experiences extended beyond Israel, including serving as a student rabbi at Temple Jacob in Hancock, Michigan, and later at Temple Shalom in Brisbane, Australia, and Surfers Paradise, Australia.

Following his ordination, Kaplan became the rabbi at Temple Israel in Cape Town, South Africa, shortly after the country's historic democratic elections in 1994. In this post-apartheid era, he advocated for redefining Jewish doctrine and practice to ensure Judaism's relevance for South Africans. Kaplan emphasized the need for Jews to engage with the nation's social, economic, and political issues, proposing a spiritual response rooted in social justice. He encouraged a more open and interpretive approach to Judaism, moving away from rigid formality towards personal transformation and diverse religious expression. During his tenure, he hosted prominent speakers, including Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and wrote extensively on the parallels between Jewish teachings on reconciliation, such as the story of Joseph, and South Africa's own healing process.

Kaplan is widely known for his contributions to the study of American Judaism, particularly Reform Judaism. His academic background, including a PhD in history from Tel Aviv University, informs his analyses of Jewish history and diaspora communities. Since 2019, he has served as the rabbi of Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley in Sun City, Arizona. In this role, he has focused on cultivating a multi-generational Reform congregation and actively reaching out to the significant population of unaffiliated Jews in the region, as well as individuals from diverse backgrounds interested in exploring Jewish spiritual traditions.

“We are privileged to live in an extraordinary time, one in which we have lived to see a peaceful transition to a democratically-elected government.”

“For South African Judaism to thrive we need to take a really hard look at our beliefs and practices with an eye on our commitment to personal freedom. We need to encourage diverse religious expression in response to an understanding of the complexities of our times. We need to accept that religiosity is a process, not a fossilized, codified monolith. We need to allow for interpretation, while rejecting rigid and lifeless legality.”

“Only if Judaism can be presented as a religion with a strong theme of social justice can Jews retain their prominent role in society as critics and commentators.”

“without forgiveness there is no future”

“The South African experience should fill every Jewish heart with the hope that people of all backgrounds can work together to overcome bigotry and political repression and to make a better tomorrow for all of the people of South Africa. If reconciliation and healing can be accomplished in one country, perhaps it can be accomplished all over the world.”