Reform Judaism is the largest sect of Judaism in America and still one of the most controversial in the Jewish scholarly community. Reform Judaism is commonly accepted as the most liberal and progressive movements of Judaism and is still growing in size. The reform movement has a very original origin, as well as interesting principles and practices.
History of Reform Judaism
Reform Judaism began shortly after the French Revolution. During the revolution, Jews were finally becoming equals and regular citizens in society. They were allowed to live in cities and towns with everyone else, weren’t forced to wear badges. Jewish ghettos were destroyed and Jews were allowed to enter any profession of their choosing, like every other French person.
When Napoleon lost power, the Jewish people again lost their equality. In order to try and keep their status in society rather than revert back to their old rights, the reform movement was created. The reform movement sought to still practice Jewish principles and ethics without coming under the harsh Jewish segregatory rules of the government. Synagogues acquired cantors and choirs, and wore robes like Christian clergymen. They also preached that following the kosher laws was barbaric in modern times and that wearing yalmikas (skull caps) were not necessary.
Reform Judaism became an entire sect of Judaism when it was transferred to America. Rabbi Isaac Mayer Wise, among other European Rabbis of the time, brought the principles of Reform Judaism to America where it became increasingly popular and gained members. The dangers of the Holocaust also gained more members for the reform movement when American Jews felt their lives may be in danger because of their Jewish backgrounds.
Reform Judaism’s Principles
Reform Judaism’s main principle is that Judaism has been changing throughout its long and rich history and Reform Judaism is a reflection of that change. Judaism must adapt to the times and its surroundings in order to survive and thrive.
Reform Judaism focuses on God, Torah, and Israel; the three tenants of Judaism. Rather than focusing on the commandments of the torah (the 613 Mitzvot) Reform Jews focus their attention on the Jewish set of ethics and values that have developed from the Torah and Jewish cultural values.
Torah according to Reform Judaism
Reform Judaism does not believe the Torah was written directly by God. Rather they accept the theory of biblical authorship, which states there were multiple sources, who’s stories and information were conjoined together to write the Torah. Thus reformed Jews don’t strictly follow all commandments. Most reformed Jews do not wear yalmikas or talit except for praying, and do not keep kosher.
Practices and Ceremonies of Reform Judaism
Men and women have completely equal rights in Reform Judaism. There are many female rabbis, and torah readers, and prayer services have men and women sitting and praying together side by side. In most reform synagogues, ten adults, rather than ten men, are sufficient to create a minion (prayer group).
Some reformed synagogues never wrap Tefilin (sacred leather straps) around their arms and head and some only for bar and bat mitzvahs.
Followers of Reform Judaism
Reform Judaism is the biggest sect in North America boasting over 900 congregations and 1.5 million people.
Although their ideologies often conflict with Reform Judaism, most agnostic, secular, or non-observant Jews identify themselves as reform Jews, because it is seen as the most liberal sect of Judaism.
The Union for Reform Judaism has stated on their website that “The word "Reform" in the name of our Movement is a recognition that reform is part of our way of life, as it has been for Jews throughout the centuries.”
Readers may also enjoy The Basics of Conservative Judaism
References: The Union for Reform Judaism
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