Reform Judaism

The largest Jewish denomination in North America, representing approximately 35% of American Jews. Reform Judaism emphasizes individual autonomy in religious practice, ethical monotheism, social justice, and adaptation of Jewish tradition to modern circumstances. Known as Progressive or Liberal Judaism in some regions.

Core Beliefs

Ethical Monotheism

Reform Judaism emphasizes Judaism’s ethical dimensions over ritual law. The prophetic tradition calling for justice, mercy, and walking humbly with God (Micah 6:8) is central.

Progressive Revelation

Torah is divinely inspired but written by humans in historical contexts. Revelation is ongoing; each generation reinterprets tradition in light of contemporary knowledge and values.

Individual Autonomy

Each Jew has the autonomy and responsibility to make informed choices about religious practice. Halakha provides guidance but is not binding; personal conscience and reason play key roles.

Tikkun Olam (Repairing the World)

Strong emphasis on social justice, equality, and making the world better. Reform Jews have been leaders in civil rights, environmental, and social justice movements.

Historical Development

• Early 1800s - Reform movement begins in Germany responding to Enlightenment and emancipation
• 1844-1846 - Rabbinical conferences in Germany define early Reform positions
• 1873 - Union of American Hebrew Congregations founded
• 1875 - Hebrew Union College established in Cincinnati
• 1885 - Pittsburgh Platform: radical classical Reform (rejected dietary laws, emphasis on universalism)
• 1937 - Columbus Platform: partial return to tradition, Zionism
• 1972 - First woman rabbi ordained (Sally Priesand)
• 1999 - Pittsburgh Principles: contemporary statement balancing tradition and innovation
• 2015 - Approval of same-sex marriage ceremonies

Core Positions

Gender Equality

Full equality for women in all aspects of religious life from the 1970s. Women serve as rabbis, cantors, and in all leadership roles. LGBTQ+ inclusion is official policy.

Patrilineal Descent

Since 1983, recognizes as Jewish anyone with one Jewish parent (mother or father) who is raised Jewishly, contrary to traditional matrilineal descent.

Interfaith Families

Welcomes interfaith families, though rabbis vary in willingness to officiate at interfaith marriages. Extensive outreach to engage non-Jewish spouses and partners.

Israel

Strong support for Israel while advocating for peace, democracy, and religious pluralism. Critical of Orthodox monopoly on Israeli religious life.

Practices

Worship

Services blend Hebrew and vernacular, traditional prayers with contemporary readings. Musical instruments, mixed-gender choirs common. Liturgy updated to reflect Reform theology (gender-neutral language, omitting resurrection of dead).

Sabbath and Holidays

Reform Jews celebrate Shabbat and festivals but with flexible observance. Driving to synagogue, using electricity, and other traditional prohibitions are matters of personal choice.

Kashrut

Dietary laws are generally optional. Some Reform Jews maintain kosher homes for cultural or ethical reasons; most do not.

Life Cycle

Bar/bat mitzvah celebrated equally for boys and girls. Confirmation (typically age 16) added as coming-of-age ceremony. Lifecycle events adapted for egalitarianism and contemporary families.

Institutions

• Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) - Synagogue organization
• Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion (HUC-JIR) - Rabbinical seminaries in Cincinnati, New York, Los Angeles, Jerusalem
• Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR) - Rabbinic organization
• World Union for Progressive Judaism - International umbrella

Geographic Distribution

Reform Judaism is dominant in North America, especially the United States. Progressive Judaism exists in UK, Europe, Australia, and elsewhere. In Israel, the Reform movement (Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism) remains small but growing.

Ideological Range

Reform encompasses a wide spectrum from “classical Reform” (minimal ritual, maximal universalism) to those adopting more traditional practices while maintaining Reform principles. “Reform Zionism” advocates for religious pluralism in Israel.

Relation to Other Jewish Movements

Reform emerged as a radical break from traditional Judaism, initially rejecting much ritual law and Zionism. Over time, it has reclaimed some traditions. Orthodox Judaism does not recognize Reform rabbis, conversions, or marriages as valid. Relations with Conservative Judaism are cooperative despite theological differences over halakhic authority. Reconstructionist Judaism emerged partly from Reform’s left wing and shares some values. Reform’s inclusive policies and theological liberalism distinguish it from all other movements.