Throughout history, Jews have remained firmly rooted in Jewish tradition, even as we learned much from our encounters with other cultures. Nevertheless, since its earliest days, Reform Judaism has asserted that a Judaism frozen in time is an heirloom, not a living fountain. The great contribution of Reform Judaism is that it has enabled the Jewish people to introduce innovation while preserving tradition, to embrace diversity while asserting commonality, to affirm beliefs without rejecting those who doubt and to bring faith to sacred texts without sacrificing critical scholarship.
Reform Judaism affirms the central tenets of Judaism – God, Torah and Israel – even as it acknowledges the diversity of Reform Jewish beliefs and practices. We believe that all human beings are created in the image of God, and that we are God’s partners in improving the world. Tikkun olam — repairing the world — is a hallmark of Reform Judaism as we strive to bring peace, freedom and justice to all people.
Reform Jews accept the Torah as the foundation of Jewish life containing God’s ongoing revelation to our people and the record of our people’s ongoing relationship with God. We see the Torah as God inspired, a living document that enables us to confront the timeless and timely challenges of our everyday lives.
In addition to our belief that Judaism must change and adapt to the needs of the day to survive and our firm commitment to Tikkun Olam, the following principles distinguish Reform Jews from other streams of Judaism in North America.
Reform Jews are committed to the principle of inclusion, not exclusion. Since 1978 the Reform Movement has been reaching out to Jews-by-choice and interfaith families, encouraging them to embrace Judaism. Reform Jews consider children to be Jewish if they are the child of a Jewish father or mother, so long as the child is raised as a Jew.
Reform Jews are committed to the absolute equality of women in all areas of Jewish life. We were the first movement to ordain women rabbis, invest women cantors and elect women presidents of our synagogues.
Reform Jews are also committed to the full participation of gays and lesbians in synagogue life as well as society at large.
ABOUT THE IMAGE: The Holy Ark
The original design and construction of the Holy Ark was a group effort by members of TBY. During the construction of the Ark by Keith Gardener, it became apparent that a fitting set of doors would be needed. TBY’s first Rabbi, Marc Goldman, challenged Temple member Shirley Rudnick to use her drawing skills and come up with a design for the doors.
Stained glass guru Karen Cockcroft then took on the task of transforming Shirley Rudnick’s designs into a stained glass masterpiece. The doors of the ark reflect four themes: The background feature of the door is a huge white Chai (the Hebrew word for Life). “Growing” out of the bottom of the doors is the “Tree of Life” (Eitz Chayim). In the back you can see the burning bush signifying when Moses meets Adonai. And mixed into the middle of the display is the Hebrew letter “shin” which is found on every Mezuzah. Overall, the doors reflect Shekinah (The Hebrew word for “God’s presence”).
Although this word does not appear in the Bible, scholars use it to refer to the dwelling place of God, especially the Temple in Jerusalem. The actual work on the doors took almost three weeks to complete. As you attend services, look for the four symbols found on the doors and consider the group effort and love that was put into making this beautiful ark. (Author – Bernie Levy)
