Reform Movement

LA and Jerusalem rabbis step in as battle rages over who should run German rabbinical schools

Toby Axelrod in JTA · 18 Sep

Amidst a challenging situation in Germany's rabbinical education landscape, American and Israeli rabbis are taking significant roles in reforming Germany's rabbinical schools following the resignation of Rabbi Walter Homolka due to misconduct allegations.

0 Communities Politics

Enough with Catty Remarks

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha · 6 Aug

The author reflects on situations where individuals made offensive remarks due to their cleverness, emphasizing the importance of being cautious with words as they can resurface unexpectedly.

0 Ethics Sports

Addressing Abuse in US Gymnastics—and The Reform Movement

Guest Contributor in Lilith · 29 Jul

The text discusses the ongoing efforts to address sexual abuse in U.S. gymnastics and within the Reform Movement.

0 Music Prayer

The Story Behind Debbie Friedman’s Beloved ‘Mi Sheberach’ Melody

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller · 2 Jul

Debbie Friedman, a revolutionary Jewish musician, transformed American Jewish connections to Judaism through her catchy and empowering tunes for prayers and holidays, making them more accessible and equitable, especially for women.

0 Communities Education

The Reform movement’s decision to admit intermarried rabbis is good. Truly welcoming them would be great.

Edmund C. Case in JTA · 25 Jun

Hebrew Union College's decision to admit intermarried rabbis marks a significant step towards inclusivity, addressing the discrimination faced by interfaith couples and expanding the pool of eligible students amid decreasing enrollment.

0 Communities Education

The American Jewish future is interfaith. It's about time our rabbis were, too

Samira Mehta in Forward · 22 Jun

Hebrew Union College's decision to admit and ordain students in interfaith relationships marks a significant shift in American Judaism, acknowledging the reality of the community it serves.

0 Education Gender/Identity

Hebrew Union College to admit and ordain rabbinical students in interfaith relationships, ending longstanding ban

Philissa Cramer in JTA · 20 Jun

Hebrew Union College, a prominent Reform rabbinical seminary, has decided to drop its longstanding ban on admitting and ordaining rabbinical students in interfaith relationships, aligning with the Reform movement's acceptance of intermarriage.

0 Communities History

Zev Eleff: Is This the End of American Judaism? [Denominations 1/5]

18forty · 14 May

Zev Eleff elucidates the historical roots and ideological developments of Jewish denominations in America, arguing that they should be understood as movements rather than denominations due to their divergent theological stances.

0 Communities Politics

Union for Reform Judaism pledges to divest millions from fossil fuel industry

Asaf Elia-Shalev in JTA · 10 Apr

The Union for Reform Judaism, representing the largest American Jewish denomination, has committed to divesting from the fossil fuel industry to address the climate crisis, guided by Jewish teachings of environmental stewardship.

0 Israel Jewish Law

Interview | Non-Orthodox Conversion in Israel

Laurence Wolff in Moment · 5 Apr

In Israel, the Reform movement faces challenges due to Orthodox control over religious and civil matters.

0 Communities Leadership

At Conservative and Reform rabbinical schools, a debate over red lines on anti-Zionism

Gabby Deutch in Jewish Insider · 13 Feb

There is an ongoing debate within Conservative and Reform rabbinical schools in the US about the role of anti-Zionism.

0 Communities Education

Generation gap

Rachel Kohn in eJewishPhilanthropy · 5 Jan

The author reflects on their experience growing up in the Reform movement and how it shaped their Jewish identity.

0 Communities Education

Holiday Spirit

Jenna Weissman Joselit in Tablet · 20 Dec 2023

This discussion explores the complex relationship between American Jews and Christmas.

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Why Judaism Is So Damn Complicated

Joshua Hoffman in Future of Jewish · 2 Sep 2023

This article discusses the complexity of defining Judaism and how it doesn't neatly fit into conventional categories.

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Amid a rabbi shortage, some synagogues opt for a cantor instead

LMarkoe in Forward · 27 Jun 2023

Due to a shortage of rabbis, some synagogues are now turning to cantors as their sole spiritual leaders.

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Eliezer Melamed, Unpredictable and Non-Tribal Posek: The Case of Women’s Roles

David Silverstein in Lehrhaus · 3 Aug 2022

Rabbi Eliezer Melamed, author of the Peninei Halakha series, has faced criticism from some rabbinic circles in recent months.

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Of secret hookups and chocolate ice cream: Inside the Israel teen-tour COVID hotel

Samuel Breslow in Forward · 25 Jul 2022

This article describes the author's experience in a COVID-19 hotel in Israel for teenagers who contracted the virus during Reform movement summer trips.

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As movements recede in Jewish life, Reform and Conservative seminaries shrink

Forward · 26 Mar 2022

Enrollment at non-Orthodox rabbinical seminaries affiliated with major Jewish movements, such as Reform and Conservative, has been declining while smaller independent schools are seeing increased enrollment.

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These Jews want to normalize not circumcising — and they want synagogues to help

Forward · 14 Oct 2021

A new organization called Bruchim aims to normalize the decision not to circumcise Jewish boys and hopes that synagogues will be more welcoming for families who make this choice.

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‘This was no coverup’: Inside the investigation of Rabbi Sheldon Zimmerman

Forward · 17 May 2021

An investigation into Rabbi Sheldon Zimmerman, who was suspended by the Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR) in 2000, has raised questions about whether the CCAR covered up his sexual misconduct and allowed him to continue serving in Jewish leadership roles for two decades.

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Reform rabbinic giant disciplined for inappropriate relationships now accused of ‘sexually predatory behavior’

Forward · 27 Apr 2021

An independent investigation by Manhattan's Central Synagogue has found that Rabbi Sheldon Zimmerman, a senior leader of the Reform movement, engaged in sexually predatory behavior with at least three women, including one who was a minor at the time of the misconduct.

0 Communities Culture

Summer Judaism

Jenna Weissman Joselit in Tablet · 25 Jul 2019

Rabbis have historically faced challenges during the summer months as congregants often prioritize leisure activities over religious duties.

0 Education Jewish Law

Boundaries, Conversations, and the Reform Movement: A Response to Elli Fischer

Joshua Holo in Jewish Review of Books · 21 Jun 2018

Joshua Holo responds to Elli Fischer's critique of Michael Chabon's commencement address at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion (HUC-JIR).

0 History Politics

Is Today’s ‘Social Justice’ Jewish?

Josh Block in Tablet · 12 Dec 2017

The discussion addresses the evolving concept of social justice in today's society and its impact on the Jewish community.

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Disunion

Adam Chandler in Tablet · 16 Dec 2011

Hebrew Union College (HUC), the largest religious denomination in American Judaism, has been facing financial challenges in recent years.

JL;DR

Tag: Reform Movement