Closed Doors, Open Minds

In Closed Doors, Open Minds, the distinguished former [Jewish Chronicle] journalist Meir Persoff documents the history of this dialogue [between Orthodox and Progressives]. It is a rigorous, balanced and thoughtful presentation, made all the more striking because what one might have expected to be a straightforward liaison between the religious leaders of British Jewry turned out to be an emotional and spiritual roller coaster for its participants. * Jewish Chronicle *
Under the title Closed Doors, Open Minds … and using a breathtaking array of hitherto closed archives, Dr Persoff now offers a fascinating — but at the same time depressing — insight into these clandestine disputations. -- Geoffrey Alderman, Michael Gross Professor of Politics and Contemporary History at the University of Buckingham * Jewish Telegraph *
“Meir Persoff has made a considerable contribution to the study of British Jewry in recent years. In particular, he has published a number of works that focus on the role of the chief rabbinate in Britain. These examine the schisms that different postholders have either fostered or contributed toward. These volumes bring together an enormously wide-ranging array of sources. His journalistic background, which developed his investigative skills while also helping him nurture contacts with key figures in the community, enabled him to access material previously hidden from view.” —Miri Freud-Kandel, University of Oxford, H-Judaic