Tag: Reform Judaism

The text discusses the evolution of Reform Judaism in America, highlighting its initial intention to eliminate differences between Jews and Christians in order to combat antisemitism.
Rabbi Leon Morris, in his address at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, stresses the need for a new approach in American Reform Judaism that emphasizes Jewish learning, community cohesion, and a reconnection to Jewish peoplehood.
Dr. Zipora Schorr, director of education at Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community School in Baltimore, discusses a new approach to teaching tzeniut (modesty) to a diverse student body, aiming for relevance and practicality while maintaining fidelity to Jewish law and values.
The article discusses the evolution and challenges faced by Reform Judaism, particularly in the context of assimilation and changing attitudes towards Jewish practice.
Temple Bnai Or, a Reform congregation in Morristown, N.J., underwent changes in its senior team, prompting the creation of a covenant guided by Rabbi Michael Satz to enhance organizational culture and teamwork.
Dr. Marc B. Shapiro discusses the origins and distinctions among various Jewish sects like Reform, Conservative, yeshivish, and Modern Orthodox in the 18Forty Podcast.
The essay reflects on the concept of Jewish continuity in the face of crises, emphasizing how historical challenges led to creative responses such as the emergence of Hasidism, Reform Judaism, Conservative Judaism, and Zionism.
The article discusses the challenges of engaging in conversations about Israel with people who have different viewpoints, highlighting instances of disagreements and difficulties faced by individuals.
The new Reform High Holy Day machzor is a significant update after 36 years, offering changes to reflect modern sensibilities and enhance accessibility.
The essay discusses the author's contrasting experiences at Passover Seders, one focusing on social justice and the other on traditional Jewish practices.
Susan Rupright, a 78-year-old retired foundation director from Valdosta, GA, expresses uncertainty about voting in the 2024 presidential election due to her dissatisfaction with both candidates, Joe Biden and Donald Trump.
Diana Leygerman, a 41-year-old Democratic Jewish activist from Warwick Township, PA, is concerned about censorship in schools, particularly after a Republican-majority board in the Central Bucks School District banned books and targeted LGBTQ students.
Aaron Weissman, a 52-year-old Reform Jew from Great Falls, MT, switched from being a Republican to an Independent voter.
In an interview with David Guttenberg, a retired construction worker and state legislator from Montana, he discusses how recent events, such as the October 7 terror attack and rising antisemitism, have led him to identify more strongly with Zionism and worry about the safety of Israel.
Reform and Liberal Judaism are considering joining forces to create a unified Progressive entity, rooted in the desire to modernize and adapt Jewish practices to contemporary beliefs and values.
Diana Leygerman, a 41-year-old Democratic project manager and community activist from Warwick Township, PA, who identifies with the Reform Jewish denomination, is a supporter of Joe Biden, having voted for him in 2020 and intending to do so again in 2024.
"Atah Manhig: A Life in Reform Judaism" is a new book by Lance J. Sussman, a recently retired rabbi of a large Reform congregation in Philadelphia.
The Canadian government has decided to delay the expansion of medical assistance in dying (MAiD) until 2027, a program that currently does not include patients with mental illness.
In considering the question of whether one's remains can be buried in more than one cemetery, an Orthodox perspective emphasizes the importance of complete and expeditious burial according to Jewish law, reflecting respect for the dead and the belief in future resurrection.
David Ellenson, former president of Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion (HUC), was known for his ability to be comfortable in various Jewish settings across denominations.
The Biden administration and Rabbi Rick Jacobs, president of the Union for Reform Judaism, have condemned the calls made by Israeli government ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben Gvir to remove Palestinians from the Gaza Strip.
Doug Emhoff, the Jewish husband of Vice President Kamala Harris, spoke at Congregation Adas Israel in Washington, D.C. on Yom Kippur, emphasizing the need for unity to combat antisemitism.
This fiction story tells the tale of Ruben Gedalia Petrofsky, who changed his name to Rudolf G. Peters to fit in with the non-Jewish community.
Modernity has brought changes to Jewish prayer, impacting the siddur (prayer book).
In "Judaism in a Digital Age" by Rabbi Danny Schiff, the author explores why Reform and Conservative Judaism are in decline.