Question to Reform Jews

[Harel13]

I heard a lecture not long ago about the history of Reform Judaism by a certain Israeli historian. He described Reform Judaism as the only one of the Jewish denominations that actively reassesses itself every so often and implements updates as it sees fit.

Would you say this is a fair description of Reform Judaism?

Thanks.

 

[RabbiO]

Would you say this is a fair description of Reform Judaism?

You are now in the midst of observing the first day of Sukkot and, in a few hours, I will be joining you. Let me give you a short answer now and, if you desire a longer answer, I'll provide one down the road.

Short answer - No, it is not a fair description.

By the way, I just noticed that there are a couple of other inquiries you have made regarding Reform Judaism and I will endeavor as well to answer those. I believe that I am the only Reform rabbi on the forum and these days I seem to be the only participating Reform Jew so I guess it is on me to provide a perspective from that vantage point.

 

[RabbiO]

By the way, I just noticed that there are a couple of other inquiries you have made regarding Reform Judaism and I will endeavor as well to answer those. I believe that I am the only Reform rabbi on the forum and these days I seem to be the only participating Reform Jew so I guess it is on me to provide a perspective from that vantage point.

I was just thinking how funny it is that there used to an Orthodox Jew on the forum who basically, more than once, accused me of being a closet Messianic Jew out to destroy Judaism and there was another Jew who identified as Reform who basically, more than once, accused me of being a closet Orthodox Jew, who, if I was not purposely out to strangle Reform, at the very least had no understanding of Reform Judaism.

 

[RabbiO]

I just noticed that your query was posted in the Interfaith Discussion section. While I understand that Orthodoxy disputes the legitimacy of non-Orthodox movements, you'll understand that I think that it was inappropriately posted in this section.

 

[Harel13]

I just noticed that your query was posted in the Interfaith Discussion section. While I understand that Orthodoxy disputes the legitimacy of non-Orthodox movements, you'll understand that I think that it was inappropriately posted in this section.

Actually, it was posted in Religious Q&A as per the new DIR rules I can't ask questions directly in the Reform DIR. Chas v'shalom there was no intent to hint at Reform being a different religion. For future threads, what sub-forum do you think would be better? (Same faith debates isn't good because I'm not interested in debating)

 

[Harel13]

You are now in the midst of observing the first day of Sukkot and, in a few hours, I will be joining you. Let me give you a short answer now and, if you desire a longer answer, I'll provide one down the road.

Short answer - No, it is not a fair description.

By the way, I just noticed that there are a couple of other inquiries you have made regarding Reform Judaism and I will endeavor as well to answer those. I believe that I am the only Reform rabbi on the forum and these days I seem to be the only participating Reform Jew so I guess it is on me to provide a perspective from that vantage point.

Moadim l'semicha. Yes, I would be very happy if you could elaborate on it whenever possible. Thanks.