Reform Judaism (also known as Liberal Judaism or Progressive Judaism) is a major confessional division within Judaism, which emphasizes the evolving nature of the religion, the superiority of its ethical aspects compared to the ceremonial ones, and a belief in a continuous revelation not centered on the theophany at Mount Sinai. It is characterized by a lesser stress on ritual and personal observance, regarding Jewish Law as of basically non-binding nature, and great openness to external influences and progressive values. The origins of Reform Judaism lay in 19th-century Germany, where its early principles were formulated by Rabbi Abraham Geiger and his associates, and its greatest center today is in North America.
The Union progressiver Juden in Deutschland (UPJ; "Union of Progressive Jews in Germany") is a registered association, founded in 1997 as the congregational arm of Liberal (also Progressive or Reform) Judaism in Germany. It is headed by Sonja Guentner and has around 4,500 members. It is an affiliate of the World Union for Progressive Judaism. Rabbi Walter Homolka is the most senior rabbinic figure associated with the UPJ, and the Abraham-Geiger-Kolleg serves as rabbinical seminary since 1999.
Liberal – known internationally also as Reform or Progressive – Judaism has a long history in Germany. Abraham Geiger, Samuel Holdheim and the other great Reform rabbis considered founders of the movement led it in the mid-19th century. After the 1844-46 synods, the term "Liberal" substituted the formerly common "Reform" to denote the relative moderation maintained in communities which remained unified. Only the semi-independent, splinter Reform Congregation in Berlin followed a radical line. The Liberals did not formally consolidate as a denomination, but were rather a tendency within communal frameworks. Their focal point was the Hochschule für die Wissenschaft des Judentums, their seminary. In 1898, Rabbi Heinemann Vogelstein was determined to counter conservative elements and formed a Liberal rabbinical association, Union of Liberal Rabbis. In 1908 a congregational arm followed, the Union for Liberal Judaism in Germany. These were founding members of the WUPJ in 1926. After World War II, the movement slowly recovered.
Reform Judaism was the official magazine of the Union for Reform Judaism. Its print edition had a quarterly circulation to nearly 300,000 households, synagogues, and other Jewish institutions. The last issue was published in Fall 2014.
Awards and academic recognition
From time to time its articles have won awards or been listed in RAMBI, the index of articles on Jewish Studies:
"Why I Have Not Visited Germany" (Winter,1997) by Rabbi Authur Herzberg. The American Jewish Press Association awarded this article a first place Simon Rockower Award for Excellence in Jewish Journal for commentary and editorial writing.
"Thank you, Moritz Loth: a 125-year UAHC retrospective" (Spring, 1998) by Michael Meyer is listed in RAMBI.
History of Jewish Movements: Reform, Conservative and Orthodox
Watch our explainer video to learn the history of the Reform Jewish movement and how early proponents abandoned aspects of traditional Judaism in order to create a Jewish community that was able to adapt to the changes of the modern world.
SUBSCRIBE to RJ on the GO: https://reformjudaism.org/rjonthego to attend live, interactive, virtual experiences for children and families.
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ABOUT US
BimBam sparks connections to Judaism through digital storytelling for learners of all ages. Founded in 2008, BimBam’s catalog of hundreds of animated videos and other digital content are now under the auspices of the Union for Reform Judaism, and many can b...
published: 17 Feb 2019
Reform Judaism in Israel
published: 14 Aug 2017
Reform Judaism: Jewish Life in Your Life
Have a lot of questions about how to live your Jewish life in your every day reality? Reform Judaism can help you seek answers. Visit http://ReformJudaism.org to learn more.
published: 13 Mar 2013
Why Reform Judaism - Kathryn Fleisher
Kathryn Fleisher embraces Reform Judaism for its philosophy that this life, right here, right now, is our only chance to make a difference.
published: 14 Nov 2018
Rabbi Jacques Cukierkorn on Reform Judaism
Rabbi Jacques Cukierkorn of Temple Israel of Greater Kansas City, http://templeisraelkc.org/ and on Facebook at http://on.fb.me/h9EV9O, talks about Reform Judaism or Liberal Judaism and how it differs from Orthodox Judaism. Visit Rabbi Cukierkorn's website at http://www.rabbicukierkorn.com.
published: 26 May 2009
The Union for Reform Judaism
The Union for Reform Judaism strengthens communities that transform the way people connect to Jewish life, building a more whole, just, and compassionate world. Learn more about the URJ and how congregations benefit from becoming a part of the Movement.
published: 31 Jan 2017
Explore a Career at the Union for Reform Judaism
Learn more about career opportunities at the URJ: http://urj.org/careers
published: 07 Jun 2017
Bromley Reform Synagogue Live Stream
published: 31 Aug 2024
Re-CHARGING Reform Judaism 2024
"This is an existential moment, not only for Israel, but for us in North America. We are in the midst of a great ideological struggle, the outcome of which will determine whether liberal Judaism will thrive in the diaspora, or will fracture and shatter into a thousand pieces," said Rabbi Ammiel Hirsch at the opening of Re-CHARGING Reform Judaism, a two-day conference gathering some 300 Reform clergy, educators and lay leaders at Stephen Wise Free Synagogue. Hirsch spoke about the Reform movement's need for a strategy to instill Zionism and love of Jewish peoplehood in the next generation, the ordination of Zionist Reform clergy, and our response to social justice partnerships that clash with our Jewish values.
Watch our explainer video to learn the history of the Reform Jewish movement and how early proponents abandoned aspects of traditional Judaism in order to creat...
Watch our explainer video to learn the history of the Reform Jewish movement and how early proponents abandoned aspects of traditional Judaism in order to create a Jewish community that was able to adapt to the changes of the modern world.
SUBSCRIBE to RJ on the GO: https://reformjudaism.org/rjonthego to attend live, interactive, virtual experiences for children and families.
FOLLOW
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reformjudaism
Twitter: https://twitter.com/reformjudaism
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reformjudaism/
ABOUT US
BimBam sparks connections to Judaism through digital storytelling for learners of all ages. Founded in 2008, BimBam’s catalog of hundreds of animated videos and other digital content are now under the auspices of the Union for Reform Judaism, and many can be found on its flagship educational website, ReformJudaism.org. Watch something Jewish at https://reformjudaism.org.
Watch our explainer video to learn the history of the Reform Jewish movement and how early proponents abandoned aspects of traditional Judaism in order to create a Jewish community that was able to adapt to the changes of the modern world.
SUBSCRIBE to RJ on the GO: https://reformjudaism.org/rjonthego to attend live, interactive, virtual experiences for children and families.
FOLLOW
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reformjudaism
Twitter: https://twitter.com/reformjudaism
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reformjudaism/
ABOUT US
BimBam sparks connections to Judaism through digital storytelling for learners of all ages. Founded in 2008, BimBam’s catalog of hundreds of animated videos and other digital content are now under the auspices of the Union for Reform Judaism, and many can be found on its flagship educational website, ReformJudaism.org. Watch something Jewish at https://reformjudaism.org.
Have a lot of questions about how to live your Jewish life in your every day reality? Reform Judaism can help you seek answers. Visit http://ReformJudaism.org t...
Have a lot of questions about how to live your Jewish life in your every day reality? Reform Judaism can help you seek answers. Visit http://ReformJudaism.org to learn more.
Have a lot of questions about how to live your Jewish life in your every day reality? Reform Judaism can help you seek answers. Visit http://ReformJudaism.org to learn more.
Rabbi Jacques Cukierkorn of Temple Israel of Greater Kansas City, http://templeisraelkc.org/ and on Facebook at http://on.fb.me/h9EV9O, talks about Reform Judai...
Rabbi Jacques Cukierkorn of Temple Israel of Greater Kansas City, http://templeisraelkc.org/ and on Facebook at http://on.fb.me/h9EV9O, talks about Reform Judaism or Liberal Judaism and how it differs from Orthodox Judaism. Visit Rabbi Cukierkorn's website at http://www.rabbicukierkorn.com.
Rabbi Jacques Cukierkorn of Temple Israel of Greater Kansas City, http://templeisraelkc.org/ and on Facebook at http://on.fb.me/h9EV9O, talks about Reform Judaism or Liberal Judaism and how it differs from Orthodox Judaism. Visit Rabbi Cukierkorn's website at http://www.rabbicukierkorn.com.
The Union for Reform Judaism strengthens communities that transform the way people connect to Jewish life, building a more whole, just, and compassionate world....
The Union for Reform Judaism strengthens communities that transform the way people connect to Jewish life, building a more whole, just, and compassionate world. Learn more about the URJ and how congregations benefit from becoming a part of the Movement.
The Union for Reform Judaism strengthens communities that transform the way people connect to Jewish life, building a more whole, just, and compassionate world. Learn more about the URJ and how congregations benefit from becoming a part of the Movement.
"This is an existential moment, not only for Israel, but for us in North America. We are in the midst of a great ideological struggle, the outcome of which will...
"This is an existential moment, not only for Israel, but for us in North America. We are in the midst of a great ideological struggle, the outcome of which will determine whether liberal Judaism will thrive in the diaspora, or will fracture and shatter into a thousand pieces," said Rabbi Ammiel Hirsch at the opening of Re-CHARGING Reform Judaism, a two-day conference gathering some 300 Reform clergy, educators and lay leaders at Stephen Wise Free Synagogue. Hirsch spoke about the Reform movement's need for a strategy to instill Zionism and love of Jewish peoplehood in the next generation, the ordination of Zionist Reform clergy, and our response to social justice partnerships that clash with our Jewish values.
"This is an existential moment, not only for Israel, but for us in North America. We are in the midst of a great ideological struggle, the outcome of which will determine whether liberal Judaism will thrive in the diaspora, or will fracture and shatter into a thousand pieces," said Rabbi Ammiel Hirsch at the opening of Re-CHARGING Reform Judaism, a two-day conference gathering some 300 Reform clergy, educators and lay leaders at Stephen Wise Free Synagogue. Hirsch spoke about the Reform movement's need for a strategy to instill Zionism and love of Jewish peoplehood in the next generation, the ordination of Zionist Reform clergy, and our response to social justice partnerships that clash with our Jewish values.
Watch our explainer video to learn the history of the Reform Jewish movement and how early proponents abandoned aspects of traditional Judaism in order to create a Jewish community that was able to adapt to the changes of the modern world.
SUBSCRIBE to RJ on the GO: https://reformjudaism.org/rjonthego to attend live, interactive, virtual experiences for children and families.
FOLLOW
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reformjudaism
Twitter: https://twitter.com/reformjudaism
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reformjudaism/
ABOUT US
BimBam sparks connections to Judaism through digital storytelling for learners of all ages. Founded in 2008, BimBam’s catalog of hundreds of animated videos and other digital content are now under the auspices of the Union for Reform Judaism, and many can be found on its flagship educational website, ReformJudaism.org. Watch something Jewish at https://reformjudaism.org.
Have a lot of questions about how to live your Jewish life in your every day reality? Reform Judaism can help you seek answers. Visit http://ReformJudaism.org to learn more.
Rabbi Jacques Cukierkorn of Temple Israel of Greater Kansas City, http://templeisraelkc.org/ and on Facebook at http://on.fb.me/h9EV9O, talks about Reform Judaism or Liberal Judaism and how it differs from Orthodox Judaism. Visit Rabbi Cukierkorn's website at http://www.rabbicukierkorn.com.
The Union for Reform Judaism strengthens communities that transform the way people connect to Jewish life, building a more whole, just, and compassionate world. Learn more about the URJ and how congregations benefit from becoming a part of the Movement.
"This is an existential moment, not only for Israel, but for us in North America. We are in the midst of a great ideological struggle, the outcome of which will determine whether liberal Judaism will thrive in the diaspora, or will fracture and shatter into a thousand pieces," said Rabbi Ammiel Hirsch at the opening of Re-CHARGING Reform Judaism, a two-day conference gathering some 300 Reform clergy, educators and lay leaders at Stephen Wise Free Synagogue. Hirsch spoke about the Reform movement's need for a strategy to instill Zionism and love of Jewish peoplehood in the next generation, the ordination of Zionist Reform clergy, and our response to social justice partnerships that clash with our Jewish values.
Reform Judaism (also known as Liberal Judaism or Progressive Judaism) is a major confessional division within Judaism, which emphasizes the evolving nature of the religion, the superiority of its ethical aspects compared to the ceremonial ones, and a belief in a continuous revelation not centered on the theophany at Mount Sinai. It is characterized by a lesser stress on ritual and personal observance, regarding Jewish Law as of basically non-binding nature, and great openness to external influences and progressive values. The origins of Reform Judaism lay in 19th-century Germany, where its early principles were formulated by Rabbi Abraham Geiger and his associates, and its greatest center today is in North America.
... growing up in rural Gloucestershire meant his relationship to Judaism and the synagogue was limited and this rite of passage quietly passed him by ... It’s right for Reform and Liberal Judaism to unite.
But despite its popularity in the U.S., Hanukkah is ranked one of Judaism’s minor festivals, and nowhere else does it garner such attention ... Lilienthal and Wise also aimed to reform Judaism, streamlining it and emphasizing the rabbi’s role as teacher.
Temple Beth El in Riverside is a reform Jewish congregation, which Yarmoff described as “the liberal side of Judaism.” For example, the temple accepts and honors members and marriages of mixed-faith families.
After earning a law degree, she held senior roles in organizations advocating for reproductive rights, LGBTQ equality, and interfaith dialogue, including as the deputy director of the Religious Action Center, the advocacy arm of Reform Judaism.
After earning a law degree, she held senior roles in organizations advocating for reproductive rights, LGBTQ equality, and interfaith dialogue, including as the deputy director of the Religious Action Center, the advocacy arm of Reform Judaism.
Others objected to the center’s tone ... “There was a time some years ago where that wasn’t necessarily the case.” ... I think most Jews care about the freedom to protest,” said Rabbi Jonah Pesner, director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism.
As well as giving him a place to connect more with his Judaism, the Reform movement camp allowed him to connect with Israel and really understand it on a personal level.
Initially, some rabbis in the Reform, Reconstructionist, and Renewal movements—modern Judaism's more liberal branches—decided that they would be willing to, as long as those couples agreed to keep a Jewish home.
Also opposed are bodies representing the Reform and Conservative... In its statement on Gaza settlement, however, the Union for Reform Judaism noted that it opposes West Bank settlement expansion as well.
What happens when you call 911? ... The charges stem from Silberstein's reported actions at a Nov ... Lt ... Monsey Fire Department boasts predominately Jewish volunteers who span the spectrum of Judaism, from non-religious and Reform to Orthodox and Hasidim.
He was on the front lines of the battle between Orthodox and Reform Judaism ... and what it was like to live through the birth of Reform Judaism as well as other pivotal times in American history.
... Judaism into Christianity ... Unfortunately the acceptance of LGBT people in Judaism is more complicated, depending on the sect, but Reform and Conservative Judaism are publicly accepting of LGBT people.
Over the past week, progressive Jewish groups that have lobbied against the bill — including the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, the liberal Israel-focused lobby J Street, and the New ...
Sun Sentinel
19 Dec 2024
Sun Sentinel
19 Dec 2024