This introductory essay examines the conceptual framework of aggadah as a unifying theme within religious movements, specifically focusing on the Conservative Judaism movement. Using an extended metaphor comparing musical themes in symphonic compositions to the underlying narrative principles that guide religious civilizations, Cohen explores how movements within larger religious traditions require identifying core themes that provide coherence and direction. The methodology involves commissioning a series of scholarly responses to Ira Stone's lead essay, which proposed identifying the aggadah of the Conservative movement. The editorial approach solicited diverse perspectives from multiple authors to examine whether a singular guiding principle exists or should be developed for the movement. The findings suggest that while various proposals emerged regarding the movement's central aggadah, no single unifying theme achieved universal acceptance among contributors. The study concludes that the Conservative Judaism movement faces a critical need for self-definition and spiritual clarity, arguing that identifying an authentic aggadah is essential for navigating future challenges and establishing a coherent institutional identity. The research emphasizes the importance of active engagement in defining the movement's trajectory rather than relying solely on historical analysis or sociological observation, calling for concentrated effort to discern the underlying themes that should animate the movement's continued development.