Can someone explain Reform Judaism to me?

Question

Is it really as peaceful and accepting as I hear it to be?

Answer 1

Yes it is peaceful and accepting of all who wish to follow it. It uses the Torah as its spiritual guide but NOT as literal law... you don't have to keep kosher to follow Reform Judaism, but you must believe in one God.

Unlike Orthodox and Conservative Judaism, Reform Synagogues will accept intermarried couples as family members.

Answer 2

You won't learn Judaism in a year or two. I've been studying more than three years and still consider myself a beginner!

If you're interested in the differences in "denominations," it's mainly a difference in practice. There is no creed in Judaism. There are several "orthodox" denominations -- they observe all the laws. They keep the sabbath holy, keep a kosher kitchen, etc. etc. 200 plus laws. Conservative Jews keep many of the laws, but are not as strict about it as Orthodox Jews. Reform Jews are not required to keep any of the laws, but many of us find them satisfying and add a few more each year.

Not sure what you mean by peaceful and accepting. Each congregation is different so I don't know how you will be "accepted." I would guess that if you introduce yourself and tell them you'd like to learn more, that most congregations would be very welcoming. We have many visitors in our congregation and had 30 conversions last year. Jews don't seek converts, but they're more than happy to tell you whatever you want to know about Judaism.

Check out some books on Judaism. My personal favorite is "To Life" by Harold Kushner.

Answer 3

All of Judaism is peaceful. Reform Judaism is much more eager to accept converts than Conservative and Orthodox Judaism. Reform Judaism is more liberal on following the Torah. Reform Jews pick which laws they want to follow and which ones they don't want to follow. Reform services are generally in English, whereas Hebrew is used in Orthodox and Conservative synagogues. Basically summed up, Reform Judaism is for Jews who can't follow the laws as easily or don't want their life to revolve around the Torah.

Answer 4

answer: No. you are able to no longer convert to Judaism as an atheist. you will possibly come across a great style of resistance against tattoos as properly. No Jew "believes" in devil because of the fact the bogeyman. Reform women human beings can placed on a kippah yet won't be able to be an atheist. You study Hebrew by taking a class or listening and gazing a great style of video clips (next to impossible that way). i'm a convert. I even have tatts and piercings. I is definitely no longer getting greater because i've got switched over. I placed on a kippah (crocheted by my sister). ideals: the worship of G-d and G-d on my own. analyzing His be conscious contained in the Tanakh (which includes the Torah). protecting His commandments (613 w/the Temple, 3 hundred w/out the Temple). assisting restore the international and searching after relatives, friends, community (which consists of mandated charity). looking forward to the Messiah/Messianic age. The adherence to the commandments is what differs between branches. the only thank you to transform is thru a synagogue with a rabbi. There are uncommon events the place a wisdom superhighway technique is complete however the final bit demands a actual assembly with the rabbi and is used purely for remoted converts, no longer for minors who have not got parental permission to be analyzing. Jews do no longer visit church - we've temples (Reform), synagogues (Reform, Conservative, Orthodox, Reconstructionist), shuls (Conservative and Orthodox) = all are synagogues. you like so lots greater study in the previous figuring out to transform (and alter your avatar call - that's a purpose to human beings that don't comprehend that decision). you do no longer understand the basics, youthful one. you are able to no longer make an counseled decision yet.

Answer 5

They don't have to wear beards or funny black hats.

They can have a Cheeseburger and Milk Shake at McDonalds

They don't HAVE to eat Kosher style or Kosher foods at all

They don't separate the men from the women at functions

They don't have to stop doing things between Friday sunset and Saturday sunset, although they are expected to keep all the high holy holidays.

It's roughly eqivalent to what the Methodists or Presbyterians or Lutherans are to the Amish.

Answer 6

Here's a whole bunch of stuff about Reform Judaism:
http://rj.org/

Answer 7

I think it's like more relaxed, like not the traditional yarmulkes and long skirts and that kind of thing. I wouldn't know my grandparents are reform not me (I think they're reform-idk really).

Answer 8

Really easy to explain the differences:

Orthodox = Crazy
Conservative = Hazy
Reform = Lazy


If you're not MOT I wouldn't suggest conversion. Very few people can do it.