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Reform Judaism: Unity Among Diversity Introduction An interesting concept with in Judaism is Jews believe themselves to be a chosen people. They had no country in the mid nineteenth century, but still they considered themselves as a nation, a distinct people upheld by the belief in God’s covenant with them. As you read you will see the many divisions that have taken place throughout history and despite this, the belief as a covenant and chosen people has held together a forlorn people with deep rooted traditions. This is what I hope to explore and give insight to the challenges and complex idea of “Unity”. This paper will explore this idea of Judaism by: A Brief History, Comparison, and Contrast of the Branches of Judaism- This will give an overview of Judaism’s history starting with the Orthodox Jews down to the subsequent breakdown and formation of the Reform and Conservative movements. This will include the controversies among its divisions. Observing Diversity-This portion will detail the practices, beliefs, interviews, and observations. It will also explore some of the current trends and challenges within this organization. Unity among the Forlorn- This designate will navigate the subject of unity among a people with a torrent past (how adversity can unite) and the cultural unity that exists or doesn't exist among the branches of its people. This topic will discuss how the cultural sphere of unity may exist among a people with varying opinions and views and what we may learn for this. Method This ethnography used the method of participant observer with interviews. It also used an interpretive approach to help answer question and direct questions. No audio or film was used and only first names are used with the exception of the rabbi and the cantor. I was able to gain some rapport with a few of the members. I collected most information Saturday morning during Shabbat service and during Torah study. I also had several conversations with practicing Jews and a rabbi that affiliated with the 1|Page Reform Judaism: Unity Among Diversity Reform movement. I used various books, pamphlets, and internet resources for the historical background. I used much of this information to educate myself before I attend any meetings or conducted interviews. Challenges One challenge included a definite authority on any given subject. Those that I met had a saying “You could have 2 Jews in a room and have 5 different opinions. This was often times very accurate. It is more about preference such as, which interpretations or version of the Torah was best to use verse who was right and who was wrong. I also found some of my questions during the interview process came across as egocentric. I had to be careful in how the question may have sounded to those in the congregation and more over the rabbi. The amount of time I was able to spend presented itself as a challenge. There is a great complexity in which only time could help complete in painting a more accurate picture. The Site This research was conducted at Congregation Kol Ami which is located: 2425 Heritage Way (2760 South) Salt Lake City, Utah 84109 (t) 801.484.1501. This synagogue is accessible via I-80 where I will travel by car. The social composition at this site is a mixture of Reform and Conservative movement with a limited number of Orthodox. A Brief History, Comparison, and Contrast of the Branches of Judaism Judaism is a diverse religion; those that are followers of its tenants hold a variation of beliefs and understanding of Jewish law and practice. Different branches 2|Page Reform Judaism: Unity Among Diversity within Judaism reflect this diversity. According to the American Jewish Committee's 2008 Annual Survey of Jewish Opinion, American Jews identify as follows: Orthodox 8%, Conservative 28%, Reconstructionist 1%, Reform 30%, Just Jewish 31%, Not Sure 2%. This portion is not intended to cover all Judaic history and beliefs, but give a simple overview and understanding to the different movements within Judaism. Most often times various sources refer to the movements of Judaism as “branches” or “sects”, to which some within the Reform movement, that were interviewed, would call these statements erroneous and prefer the term “movements”. This idea of “movement vs. branches” will be explored more in depth later on as this is related to the idea of “Unity” among the different movements. The word “movement” is used for a reason among the Reform group and this will be explained later. This “movement” idea is controversial as there are some Orthodox Jews that do not recognize the other groups such as Reform and Conservative as movements or branches. This section will focus more on the Reform movement. It was explained by Rabbi Schwartzman that it is easier to identify the three movements by their approach to traditional Jewish law. The traditional law consists of both moral requirements (such as giving charity and pursuing justice) and ritual obligations (such as dietary restrictions and holiday observances). The different movements or branches have different interpretations and requirement to be considered adherents to traditional law. We will compare and contrast these ideas below. ORTHODOX JUDAISM There is great variety within Orthodoxy and it comprises of many philosophical movements. These ranges from Modern Orthodoxy, which teaches that Jews should embrace Western culture while adhering to Jewish law, to Charedi Judaism, which teaches Jewish life, should focus on Jewish culture. Orthodox is close to the traditional expression of modern expression of Judaism. Orthodox Jews believe the entire Torah- including “Written,” the Pentateuch, and “Oral,” the Talmud, was given to Moses by God at Sinai and remains authoritative for modern 3|Page Reform Judaism: Unity Among Diversity life in its entirety.1 The present estimate for Orthodox Jews in Eretz Yisrael (Land of Israel) is between 900 thousand and one million; in North America it is between 550 and 650 thousand; and in the rest of the world between 120 and 150 thousand, making for a total of between 1.67 and 1.8 million.2 Orthodox Jews reject the changes of Reform Judaism and stick to the most traditional Jewish beliefs and practices. Orthodox Judaism: …has held fast to such practices as daily worship, dietary laws (kashruth), traditional prayers and ceremonies, regular and intensive study of the Torah, and separation of men and women in the synagogue. It also enjoins strict observance of the Sabbath and religious festivals and does not permit instrumental music during communal services.3 There are some Orthodox Jews that consider Reform and Conservative Jew supporters of the Jewish faith, but do not recognize many non-Orthodox Jewish marriages, divorces, or conversions based on the point that they were not performed under the standard Jewish law. There is an OU Kosher division within the Orthodox Union that commits it resources to the certification of kosher foods. It is an estimated 660,000 products in 77 countries around the world.4 The OU symbol is considered the most common certification symbols seen on kosher foods. CONSERVATIVE JUDAISM Conservative Judaism (referred to as Masorti Judaism outside the U.S.) hopes to conserve the traditional elements of Judaism while avoiding the polar ends of Orthodox 1 Orthodox Union official site http://www.ou.org/about_us/#.UqNfTcSrw25 Menachem Berger, letter to the editor, The Jewish Observer (February 2000) 3 Orthodox Judaism." Encyclopædia Britannica Premium Service, 2004. 4 OU Kosher official site 2 4|Page Reform Judaism: Unity Among Diversity and Reform Judaism. They do this by allowing for agreeable modernization and rabbinical change.5 Zacharias Frankel (1801-75) formed the basis of Conservative Judaism based on his teachings. The fallout came from Frankel breaking away from the Reform movement in Germany in the 1840s, arguing that Jewish ritual and tradition was essential part of Judaism. He accepted both the Torah and Talmud as continuing powers that be with the exception that historical and textual studies could distinguish cultural expressions from enduring religious truths. Basically, these truths could be reinterpreted to fit the context of modern life.6 Conservative Jews observe the Shabbat (Sabbath) and dietary laws, but can and have been changed when it may be decided as necessary. Women may be rabbis in some conservative groups as in Reform Judaism. The Conservative Jews preserve the idea of Jewish nationalism; promote the study of Hebrew and further Zionism. As stated in the beginning, there are divisions within the various groups and the Conservative movement goes past the basic beliefs, practices and standard viewpoints and can range from Reform to Orthodox in nature.7 The Conservative movement has found success within the U.S. The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (USCJ) is the main representative for this movement. USCJ was founded in 1913 and today has about 1.5 million Jews and 760 congregations.8 Training still takes place at the Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS) in New York, NY, founded in 1883. It would be interesting to note, while attending Shabbat, a woman gave a report about the conservative convention they had recently attended. She stated that the Conservative movement leaders have recognized that recent drop in numbers of its membership. She said the leaders were looking to address this concern and find a better way to connect with its members. 5 Conservative Judaism." Encyclopædia Britannica Premium Service, 2004. Conservative Judaism." Encyclopædia Britannica Premium Service, 2004. 7 Conservative Judaism." Encyclopædia Britannica Premium Service, 2004. 8 About the USCJ." Official Site of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. 6 5|Page Reform Judaism: Unity Among Diversity There are studies that show a current split, that is narrowing, between what is taught and what is actually observed by its members. Conservative Judaism believes halakha (Jewish law) should be an everyday practice and members should strive to live by it. They also add obedience to the laws of the Shabbat must be followed; the laws kashrut (keeping kosher); the practice of thrice daily prayer; adherence of Jewish holidays and life-cycle events. Those minority members, that are the most adherent to what is taught, are the lay leadership, rabbis, cantors, educators, and those who have graduated from the movement’s various schools. Most do follow the laws some of the time. There is some research showing an increase in the observance to these laws that may correspond with the report the woman gave during Shabbat.9 Reform Judaism The most liberal in thought and expression of Judaism is the Reform movement. Looking here in America, the Union for Reform Judaism (formerly known as the Union of American Hebrew Congregations), states its mission “to create and sustain vibrant Jewish congregations wherever Reform Jews live.” About 1.5 million Jews in 900 synagogues are members of the Union for Reform Judaism. According to 1990 survey, 42 percent of American Jews regard themselves as Reform.10 Reform Judaism’s birth took place in Germany in the early 1800s. It formed as a rejection against the ridged Orthodox practices and a response to the political liberal sphere in Germany. This is in relation to examining the idea of “Unity” but, among the biggest changes in the 19th century Reform movement were the de-emphasis on Jews as a united people, stopping the prayers for a return Palestine, prayers and sermons spoken in German instead of Hebrew, an addition of organ music to the synagogue service, and a relaxed observance of dietary laws. Some other extremes include rabbis advocating the abolition of circumcision and a major congregation in Berlin changed the Sabbath to Sundays to mirror their Christian neighbors. The early Reform Judaism 9 Conservative Judaism." Wikipedia. 2005. Official Site of Union of Reform Judaism http://urj.org//index.cfm? 10 6|Page Reform Judaism: Unity Among Diversity reserved traditional Jewish monotheism with the tradeoff of ethical behavior to almost the exclusion of ritual. The Talmud was mostly rejected, with the ethical teachings of the Prophets being preferred by Reform rabbis.11 In Modern Reform Judaism it restored some of the traditional aspects the 19th century founders discarded. Modern Reform have since affirmed the central tenets of Judaism- God, Torah, and Israel- and still maintaining a great diversity in Reform Jewish beliefs and practices. Reform Jews are more accepting than other Jewish movements i.e.: women may be rabbis, cantors, and synagogue presidents; interfaith families are accepted; and Reform Jews are “committed to the full participation of gays and lesbians in synagogue life as well as society at large.”12 1875 Reform Judaism's Hebrew Union College is founded in Cincinnati. Its founder was Rabbi Isaac Mayer Wise, the architect of American Reform Judaism. 1885 A group of Reform rabbis adopts the Pittsburgh Platform. 1922 Reform Rabbi Stephen S. Wise establishes the Jewish Institute of Religion in New York. It merged with Hebrew Union College in 1950. A third center was opened in Los Angeles in 1954, and a fourth branch was established in Jerusalem in 1963. 1937 The Central Conference of American Rabbis adopts "The Guiding Principles of Reform Judaism", known as the Columbus Platform. 1976 On the occasion of the centennials of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations and the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, the Central Conference of American Rabbis adopts "Reform Judaism: A Centenary Perspective". 1983 The Central Conference of American Rabbis formally states that a Jewish identity can be passed down through either the mother or the 11 12 Rabbi Joseph Telushkin, "Reform Judaism." Jewish Literacy (William Morrow and Company, 2001), 241-43. Rabbi Joseph Telushkin, "Reform Judaism." Jewish Literacy (William Morrow and Company, 2001), 241-43. 7|Page Reform Judaism: Unity Among Diversity father, thereby making official what had been the state of affairs in many Reform communities since the early twentieth century. Despite its rejection by Conservative Judaism and Orthodox Judaism, descent through the mother or the father becomes the standard for North American Reform and unaffiliated Jews. This leads to the disintegration of the interdenominational Synagogue Council of America. 1997 On the occasion of the centenary of the first World Zionist Congress, the Central Conference of American Rabbis adopts the Miami Platform, dedicated to the relationship between Reform Judaism and Zionism. 1999 The Central Conference of American Rabbis adopts "A Statement of Principles for Reform Judaism" in Pittsburgh. 13 A simple summary but not an absolute of the three branches: Orthodox Judaism is the most traditional branch of Judaism and emphasizes observance of both the moral and ritual obligations of traditional Jewish law. There is great diversity within Orthodoxy and it contains many philosophical movements. These range from Modern Orthodoxy, which teaches that Jews should embrace Western culture while adhering to Jewish law, to Charedi Judaism, which teaches that Jewish life should focus on Jewish culture. Reform Judaism teaches that Judaism’s ethical laws are binding while ritual laws can be adapted to fit modern society. It views Judaism’s essence as ideals of morality and social justice while encouraging 13 The timeline is from "Reform Judaism." Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. January 7, 2005. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reform_Judaism 8|Page Reform Judaism: Unity Among Diversity individuals to maintain traditional practices that they find meaningful. The branch favors individual choice over obligatory beliefs and practices. Conservative Judaism occupies a middle ground between Reform Judaism and Orthodox Judaism. Institutionally, it seeks to preserve the structure and content of traditional Jewish observance, while allowing for adaptations to fit modern circumstances. Conservative Judaism emphasizes the importance of studying traditional Jewish texts to guide ethics and practice.14 Observing Diversity I attended the Congregation Kol Ami a Reform Jewish group. Their mission statement is thus: Congregation Kol Ami is a congregation for all our people. We are a vibrant, inclusive, participatory, egalitarian synagogue that values the rich traditions of our heritage. We are a mix of Jews from many places and Jewish experiences, and our unique strength comes from our diverse backgrounds. We affiliate with both the Reform and Conservative movements, and offer a variety of religious services, educational experiences, and countless opportunities for gathering together and schmoozing. Congregation Kol Ami's mission is to provide Jews by birth, Jews by choice, and K’rov Yisrael interfaith families a place to join together as we worship, learn, and celebrate Judaism in a dynamic and caring community. Every person counts and everyone is welcome. 14 http://www.icsresources.org/content/factsheets/BranchesOfJudaism.pdf 9|Page Reform Judaism: Unity Among Diversity From what I experienced this above statement is very accurate. This congregation had Reform, Conservative, and even a few Orthodox within the walls of this sanctuary. Kol Ami has traditional Shabbat service as well as a Reform version in which I attended both. The major difference between the two services is the amount of English vs. Hebrew during the service. Reform would have more of the service in English and this seemed to be the most popular service. I had wondered how investigators could connect to the service when language is a barrier to understanding what is being said during Shabbat services. This was the question I had asked the rabbi about and soon realized how careful my questioning needs to be. I later reworded my questions with more sensitivity. Kosher is observed as it is a multi-inclusive congregation. A woman I interviewed did not keep kosher but many others did. The idea of keeping kosher is understood to bring one closer to God and comes under the category of mitzvah between God and man and therefore is considered a matter of personal choice. Part of this practice is keeping and preparing all dairy and meat separate. This synagogue had two separate kitchens to do this. Ecotarianism was practiced by some which can be described as ecological kashrut. Simply, it is food that is produced in ethnical and environmentally friendly ways (organic). Traditional kosher required animals to be slain in a ritualistic manner that ensures the humanity of the slaughter. Ecological kashrut offers and appealing substitute that provides for the humanitarian and environment concerns that also exhibits an assurance to sustainable living movement currently being promoted by this congregation’s social action group while remaining convenient to a busy lifestyle. 10 | P a g e Reform Judaism: Unity Among Diversity This congregation is very much a business with a school associated with it as well as dues required every year for membership requirements. There are a higher percentage of democrats and progressives associated with this congregation. Shabbat Shabbat service can be considered a fulfillment of the commandments to observe a day of rest according to the rabbi. The majority of Shabbat took place on Saturday, with Shabbat beginning on Friday evening. The amount of rules are contained in the Torah regarding Shabbat but of course can be interpreted differently by each movement. Ward(2000) accurately stated they often prefer the traditions to be upheld by the Orthodox, who can be trusted to conserve the more strict and ancient forms, even though they themselves could not share the beliefs of the Orthodox” (pp. 10-11). The first time I went to Torah study a man by the name of Lauren left early to attend a football game. Often the Shabbat is attended on Friday or Saturday based on its convenience within the Reform. Not spending money during Shabbat tends to be loose within the Reform. People seemed to show up at their convenience rather than starting at the time prescribed. I was told this is normal. During a portion through the service I noticed several movements such as standing on the tips of your toes and coming back down consecutively, three times. The reason is to show respect when Gods name is stated three times. The Torah scrolls are brought out, in which everyone stands to show respect or reverence, and then the Rabbi walks through the aisle in which the members will kiss the Torah book and touch the corner of the book to the scrolls as they pass by. They had two books used during worship. One was the “Siddar” which means “order” and the other is the Torah. They ask that you not set these books on the ground. The Siddar in simple terms is a hymn book for worship that teaches in the process. 11 | P a g e Reform Judaism: Unity Among Diversity Unity among the Forlorn In the beginning it was mentioned the word “movement” verses “Branch”. The word movement is important to the idea of the progressive nature and the desired unity the Reform movement would like to exist. The word “movement” in Reform Judaism gives the idea Reform, Conservative, and Orthodox are all a “united in movement” moving in the same direction, only on separate paths. Any other term used would take away from this idea. It is interesting that it was the Reform movement that wanted to separate from the idea of the Jews as a united people and then once again attempt to restore this idea. The Orthodox seems to reject or even recognize the Reform as legitimate Jews. The Conservatives are more open and accepting to the Reform. The Reform members that were interviewed would like to see each movement survive as they do feel they all serve important roles. The Orthodox would like to see them go away. There are Orthodox who feel the Reform are supporters of the faith but do not recognize rituals performed by the Reform and even the Conservative movement. There was an unanimous belief to always be on guard and prepare for the worst and large impart due to the atrocities that took place during World War II and throughout Jewish history. This feeling was quite strong and it’s my belief this is the underlying factor for unity among a diverse people. Conclusion I found the Idea of “Unity” a complex issue as the Reform and some Conservatives are united, in many respects. On the other hand, the research done on the Orthodox side doesn’t recognize the Reform and Conservatives. The trials that the Jewish have been through, and they still have survived as a distinct group, pays tribute to the strong cultural bonds and traditions among all those that profess to follow the tenants of Judaism. 12 | P a g e Reform Judaism: Unity Among Diversity Resource page Conservative Judaism." Encyclopædia Britannica Premium Service, 2004. Menachem Berger, letter to the editor, The Jewish Observer (February 2000) About the USCJ." Official Site of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism Conservative Judaism." Wikipedia. 2005. "About the Union for Reform Judaism." Union for Reform Judaism official site. http://urj.org/about/ Rabbi Joseph Telushkin, "Reform Judaism." Jewish Literacy (William Morrow and Company, 2001), 241-43. "What is Reform Judaism?" Union for Reform Judaism official site. http://www.rj.org/whatisrj.shtml George Robinson, Essential Judaism (Pocket Books, 2000). The timeline is from "Reform Judaism." Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. January 7, 2005. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reform_Judaism http://www.icsresources.org/content/factsheets/BranchesOfJudaism.pdf 13 | P a g e