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At a certain point, someone must have taken the decision that Progressive/Reform/Liberal Judaism was the Left of the Labour Party at shul (like the Church of England used to be the Tory Party at prayer).
I see "Jewish values" mentioned to dismiss the EHRC report. I see calls for Rabbis to reprimand Zionists. I see people acting at guardians at the gates, bullying whoever says that, was considering leaving the Country b/c of Corbyn (nice way to treat a refugee, BTW)
So let me be clear.
In the Reform world, THERE IS room for Conservatives. Although I do not consider myself Conservative,our interpretation of the halacha fits with the Conservative understanding of legal systems, where evolution is always preferable to revolution.
In the Reform world, THERE IS room for Conservatives. Although I do not consider myself Conservative,our interpretation of the halacha fits with the Conservative understanding of legal systems, where evolution is always preferable to revolution.
We Reform Jews believe in Jewish peoplehood and maintain that the people have the right to change the law (why we have Kabbalat Shabbat at 6:30 PM and not at sunset because people ask for it).
To be a good Reform Jew does not mean to enrol in some revolutionary movement, but rather living a Jewish life shaped by "bonds of mutual loyalty" (cfr Hazony) with other Jews and with your fellow co-citizens.
So, although I personally am not a Tory, I want to make clear that Conservatives are always welcome, and are active members of many Reform synagogues and institutions.
More: if you are a Conservative and want to be consistent with your Jewish value you MUST join a Reform synagogue.
Same if you are a Zionist, by the way (which I am).
Same if you are a Zionist, by the way (which I am).
