Tradition and Change

Historical Judaism does nor permit any change except from the standpoint of the law as it came down from the past.  It is averse to any interpretation or modification of the law which comes from philosophical premises.  We cannot permit majorities in congregations to decide what is permitted and what is not.  The fact that certain manufacturers approve of changes does not render them legitimate.  That has its misfortune with the Reform movement.  How then does anyone venture to lay hands on the liturgy?  It has been sanctified by the ages.  It is like a cathedral.  If the windows of a cathedral need repair, only a skilled artist would undertake to repair them.  He (Ginzberg) knows something about the liturgy.   He should have been consulted and not young boys who are totally ignorant of such matters.                                                    – diary of Mordecai Kaplan