From Rabbi Ellenson: Tribute to Dr. Alvin J. Reines on his retirement

It is with a sense of sadness that I announce the retirement of Dr. Alvin J. Reines, esteemed Professor of Jewish Philosophy at HUC-JIR/Cincinnati. Associated with HUC-JIR for over five decades, Dr. Reines is a beloved scholar, teacher, and mentor to generations of HUC-JIR's students.

Dr. Reines is internationally recognized as a seminal religious thinker. His development of the concept of "polydox" religion, and its application to Reform Judaism, is regarded by many as the most important theoretical advance in contemporary Jewish religious thought. The concept of polydoxy has come to exercise a profound influence upon many of the present generations of Reform rabbis and leaders, and upon liberal Jewish religionists generally. Dr. Reines is also renowned for his specialization in Medieval Philosophy, particularly the work of Moses Maimonides. His extensive publications include Reform Judaism as a Polydoxy: Explorations in a Philosophy of Reform Judaism; Haggadah; Early Israelite History: Joseph and Moses (co-author); Maimonides and Abrabanel on Prophecy, and numerous scholarly articles. Ordained at HUC-JIR in Cincinnati in 1952, Dr. Reines received his Ph.D. from Harvard University.

The HUC-JIR family extends to Dr. Reines our profound gratitude and admiration for a half-century of commitment and service to the College-Institute and for his important contributions to Jewish scholarship, which have influenced the Jewish world. We wish him, his wife, Hera, and their family, all the blessings of health and fulfillment for years to come.