Reform Judaism ~ Office Of The Prime Minister Of Israel
A liberal branch of Judaism, Reform Judaism is typically characterized by lessened stress on ritual and personal observance, regarding Jewish Law as non-binding and the individual Jew as autonomous, and great openness to external influences and progressive values. The origins of Reform Judaism lie in 19th-century Germany, where Rabbi Abraham Geiger and his associates formulated its early principles. Since the 1970s, the movement has adopted a policy of inclusiveness and overall acceptance, inviting as many as possible to partake in its communities, rather than strict theoretical clarity. It is strongly identified with progressive political and social agendas, mainly under the traditional Jewish rubric tikkun olam, or “repairing of the world”. Tikkun olam is a central motto of Reform Judaism, and action for its sake is one of the main channels for adherents to express their affiliation. As of 2021, the Reform Judaism movement’s most significant center is in North America. In fact, with over 850 congregations in the U.S. and Canada, Reform Judaism has now become the largest Jewish movement throughout North America.
ReformJudaism.Com, along with its sister sites ConservativeJudaism.Com and OrthodoxJudaism.Com, is intended to showcase the beauty of Judaism by way of education. With continuous updates of new learning material, the visitor will be exposed to new concepts, new teachings and new ideas — all based on the wisdom and teachings of Judaism. For some, this may be the first introduction to Judaism or even to Jews in general. For others, it may be a review of the basics of Jewish teaching and Jewish philosophy. By following the links to other Jewish sites within our expanding Judaic network, further learning can then be pursued and exponentially expanded, if so desired.