I am leaving my Reform temple and joining a Conservative temple in large part because of the leftist politics at the Reform temple. I know Conservative temples, at least in my area of the country may not be great politically either, but I am sure it will be less objectionable than the Reform temple.
I am not Orthodox but as a Jew who fervently believes in my Judaism, but lax in my practice, I find Chabad is where I learn, am accepted, and can grow without feeling uncomfortable. Others have had the same experience. Just a suggestion.
I have actually been attending some things at Chabad. I kind of like the set up at a "regular" synagogue where I can do things such as serve on committees. What I may likely do is join the Conservative temple, but heavily supplement it with Chabad. Open to other thoughts. Thanks.
I actually am a senior that has been a non observant Jew much of my life. (not proud of that). I have been working hard to change that. Can't make up for lost time, but enjoying the new journey.
I’m also very turned off by the ultra-Progressive leanings of our reform Shul and the Rabbi there. But there are really good people in that congregation and they are what make it worthwhile to me. I also belong to a modern orthodox congregation which is very appealing in many ways. I feel blessed to have the multiple options where I live. The overall Jewish community here pulls in all different kinds of people and views. But the biggest problem with the Reform Shul in my experience is the antizionism and proliferation of useful idiots.
You say: “But the biggest problem with the Reform Shul in my experience is the antizionism and proliferation of useful idiots.”
Any ‘Reform Shul’ that condones antisemitism, especially those that welcome children, is a useful idiot breeding ground. There’s another word for the same thing: ‘Mosques’.
I cannot ever again attend a reform ! I was raised with orthodox & latter in life conservaDox & conservative! My children enjoyed the reform bc they were better able to understand everything but today it’s only Chabad & occasionally conservative
If rabbis are scared of speaking in support of Israel because half their congregation will walk out, what is wrong with their congregation and with the moral leadership these rabbis are supposed to provide?
Israelis have covered themselves in glory with their courageous response to October 7. עם ישראל חי really means something over there!
American Jews, not so much. I prefer to give up membership in a meaningless synagogue and send the money instead to my brothers and sisters in Israel, where it can do some real good.
Love your alternative(I’m not able to attend anyway - age and health keep me at home)…and not just American Jews. Here in the U.K., things aren’t great, to say the least
Great thought piece, thank you. Almost nothing is more revolting to me than hearing fellow jews espouse anti-Israel falsehoods and support anti-Israel politicians.
A great truth: "If we have to change who we are to fit in, they were never really our friends to begin with."
We moved from NJ to FL during the COVID lockdowns. We wanted to join a synagogue but couldn’t arrange any in-person visits, so I conducted “website analyses” of the local temples.
On the home pages of the Reform Temples were pride/trans flags; messages directed to “Jews of Color”; and statements on reproductive rights and climate activism. I eliminated those immediately from consideration. One was so bizarre, I actually thought the temple was only for fringe Jews.
We wound up at a conservative synagogue with an ardently pro-Israel and brilliant rabbi. Just as the author states, half the membership hated him for his unapologetic positions on Israel and he was eventually forced out.
Spot on. In addition, the reform movement became so assimilated that some Jews became self hating, judging more religious Jews, voting for Mandani believing that they are “that good Jew” who will be liked and accepted.
Or as Michigan's (Jewish) Attorney General Dana Nessel recently said, she's too scared to go to the midterm Democratic nominating convention because of antisemitism. And she's asking Jews to vote for the good of the world (e.g. Abdul El-Sayed?) even if it puts their survival at risk.
It takes a complete lunatic to explain in a few words what lunacy really is.
I regret to say that Reform Judaism is far too concerned to accommodate elements without the community that are ill disposed to Jewish interests. Currently far too politicised with a left wing bias .
I’m going to coin a phrase that I think goes to the heart of the issues facing Reform, and increasingly Conservative, Judaism. Demographic angst.
It has already been at least a generation since non-Orthodox Jews had a positive birth rate. And outside of the Orthodox community in the U.S. (Israel is in a completely different demographic category-net positive across the board), the situation is only getting worse. When births are consistently outnumbered by deaths with no end in sight, it stands to reason that the focus of the population is going to change a lot.
Instead of focusing on Jewish education, Jewish summer camps, youth trips to Israel and other youth-centered activities, the community switches its focus to the concerns of an increasingly elderly membership. Tikkun Olam, as defined by whatever the trendy cause of the day is, takes over the center of communal life because the folks in this aging community have nothing else to fall back on.
As long as the demographics of Reform Judaism remain solidly negative, this is only going to continue. Judaism’s traditional focus on family and children and education will continue to be replaced by what are essentially secular politics. Would a concerted effort to re-energize the practice of Judaism and connect more closely with Israel help, maybe. But, in the long run, if you can’t bring lots of people to the table because they were never born, it won’t matter.
I say, once again, Jews are not alone. The fatigue you speak of here in The West is the endless struggle to maintain the livelihoods and wealth of Nations here in The West waged at the top of all the States of The West to keep our high living standards. Further, we Jews have this crucial advantage: we know and see the real Enemy which is Nazism, because the Nazism behind all of the insurgent Antisemitism is clearly monitored here in Europe and in clear view, and is a threat to the whole of the rest of the World. Our job, which is a unique and covenanted and universal calling against this genocidal Totalitarianism, is an Eternal calling, and is recognised as such by the WHOLE of the rest of the World. Those of us used to this left the Fatigue you speak of behind long ago. To vigilance and Victory, my friends! The battle against Totalitarian Nazism is being won. And we have many friends! Thus we can ignore the narcissistic prating of the Liberal elites in The West. This is why morale in Israel is sky high. We won against Nazism. For Real Nazism, which is the real enemy of the whole planet, has once again been defeated! And now we will beat them again and again and again…!
Einat Wilf wrote about Jews giving a "pound of flesh" each time we give up, hide or ignore aspects of our Jewishness in order to fit in with wider society.
Thank you for a most insightful and thought provoking essay. I think you are right about a serious problem in so many RJ communities, mine included. I’m often silent. Too many views are too hot. It disappoints and frustrates me. Absolutely, we need to acknowledge among us that our politics often don’t align, then look to Torah and our central Jewish values and practices for wisdom and guidance on being Jewish together in a mindbogglingly complex world.
How does one become more Jewish within the parameters of the Reform leniencies? I ask without sarcasm. Enlightenment didn't enlighten anyone. It was the beginning of the slippery slope. Replace G-d with the State. The Reform movement is a result of that. Judaism watered down so much that it allowed causes to become the religion.
I agree that that is what happened in the Reform movement, but disagree that it is still the case. Many congregations, particularly in Canada, have for maybe two decades been doubling down on Jewish study and practice. Stream one of our services at Temple Sholom in Vancouver and see what you think.
I don't doubt you. I did look at the website and it seems to be the standard Reform message. Social Justice etc. I will try and listen. Are your services taped? I didn't see where i can listen.
I am not from the US, but Canada, which like most countries in the Diaspora, has few Reform synagogues, and it is telling, being the complete outlier of the Diaspora. Reform has appeared to have destroyed most of the Jewish community in the US. Since they chose in the late 1990s to become a social activist sect with a smidgen of Judaism called Tikkun Olam as their Jewish content, they have chosen to demonize Israel for decades and taught hatred of religious Jews. If one focuses mostly on social activism as a religion , why be Jewish when one can be Marxist/Socialist/ pro-Hamas? When one teaches hate to children and youth, they internalize that hate and often become self-hating of anything Jewish including their identity. Thus one now sees pro-Hamas atrocity Jews, keffiyeh wearing and chanting "From the River to the Sea" calling for the eradication of Israel and nearly eight million Israeli Jews, and running around campuses on Jew hunts. .
Not all Reform Synagogues are the same. We belong to Holy Blossom Temple in Toronto. While there is room for discussion it is a zionist Reform Synagogue
If I am only for myself who will be for me. Too many Reform Congregations have decided that Tikun Olam means support the policies of the Democratic Party. And today supporting the Democratic Party means at best standing aside as the Jewish state is slandered and smeared with the most despicable lies. At worst it means standing shoulder to shoulder with those doing the smearing.
For many their Leftism Trumps their Judaism.
I am leaving my Reform temple and joining a Conservative temple in large part because of the leftist politics at the Reform temple. I know Conservative temples, at least in my area of the country may not be great politically either, but I am sure it will be less objectionable than the Reform temple.
I am not Orthodox but as a Jew who fervently believes in my Judaism, but lax in my practice, I find Chabad is where I learn, am accepted, and can grow without feeling uncomfortable. Others have had the same experience. Just a suggestion.
I have actually been attending some things at Chabad. I kind of like the set up at a "regular" synagogue where I can do things such as serve on committees. What I may likely do is join the Conservative temple, but heavily supplement it with Chabad. Open to other thoughts. Thanks.
That sounds like a great lan for you. We are all trying to find our way. Shana Tova!!
I actually am a senior that has been a non observant Jew much of my life. (not proud of that). I have been working hard to change that. Can't make up for lost time, but enjoying the new journey.
I’m also very turned off by the ultra-Progressive leanings of our reform Shul and the Rabbi there. But there are really good people in that congregation and they are what make it worthwhile to me. I also belong to a modern orthodox congregation which is very appealing in many ways. I feel blessed to have the multiple options where I live. The overall Jewish community here pulls in all different kinds of people and views. But the biggest problem with the Reform Shul in my experience is the antizionism and proliferation of useful idiots.
You say: “But the biggest problem with the Reform Shul in my experience is the antizionism and proliferation of useful idiots.”
Any ‘Reform Shul’ that condones antisemitism, especially those that welcome children, is a useful idiot breeding ground. There’s another word for the same thing: ‘Mosques’.
PS - It’s elementary algebra. You can’t be an anti Zionist without also being an antisemite.
Same
I cannot ever again attend a reform ! I was raised with orthodox & latter in life conservaDox & conservative! My children enjoyed the reform bc they were better able to understand everything but today it’s only Chabad & occasionally conservative
If rabbis are scared of speaking in support of Israel because half their congregation will walk out, what is wrong with their congregation and with the moral leadership these rabbis are supposed to provide?
Israelis have covered themselves in glory with their courageous response to October 7. עם ישראל חי really means something over there!
American Jews, not so much. I prefer to give up membership in a meaningless synagogue and send the money instead to my brothers and sisters in Israel, where it can do some real good.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/hundreds-of-michigan-jews-endorse-pledge-to-vote-for-abdul-el-sayed/
Love your alternative(I’m not able to attend anyway - age and health keep me at home)…and not just American Jews. Here in the U.K., things aren’t great, to say the least
Great thought piece, thank you. Almost nothing is more revolting to me than hearing fellow jews espouse anti-Israel falsehoods and support anti-Israel politicians.
A great truth: "If we have to change who we are to fit in, they were never really our friends to begin with."
We moved from NJ to FL during the COVID lockdowns. We wanted to join a synagogue but couldn’t arrange any in-person visits, so I conducted “website analyses” of the local temples.
On the home pages of the Reform Temples were pride/trans flags; messages directed to “Jews of Color”; and statements on reproductive rights and climate activism. I eliminated those immediately from consideration. One was so bizarre, I actually thought the temple was only for fringe Jews.
We wound up at a conservative synagogue with an ardently pro-Israel and brilliant rabbi. Just as the author states, half the membership hated him for his unapologetic positions on Israel and he was eventually forced out.
That’s so sad
Spot on. In addition, the reform movement became so assimilated that some Jews became self hating, judging more religious Jews, voting for Mandani believing that they are “that good Jew” who will be liked and accepted.
Or as Michigan's (Jewish) Attorney General Dana Nessel recently said, she's too scared to go to the midterm Democratic nominating convention because of antisemitism. And she's asking Jews to vote for the good of the world (e.g. Abdul El-Sayed?) even if it puts their survival at risk.
It takes a complete lunatic to explain in a few words what lunacy really is.
I regret to say that Reform Judaism is far too concerned to accommodate elements without the community that are ill disposed to Jewish interests. Currently far too politicised with a left wing bias .
Same in the UK(different Reform here… we also have other varieties)
I’m going to coin a phrase that I think goes to the heart of the issues facing Reform, and increasingly Conservative, Judaism. Demographic angst.
It has already been at least a generation since non-Orthodox Jews had a positive birth rate. And outside of the Orthodox community in the U.S. (Israel is in a completely different demographic category-net positive across the board), the situation is only getting worse. When births are consistently outnumbered by deaths with no end in sight, it stands to reason that the focus of the population is going to change a lot.
Instead of focusing on Jewish education, Jewish summer camps, youth trips to Israel and other youth-centered activities, the community switches its focus to the concerns of an increasingly elderly membership. Tikkun Olam, as defined by whatever the trendy cause of the day is, takes over the center of communal life because the folks in this aging community have nothing else to fall back on.
As long as the demographics of Reform Judaism remain solidly negative, this is only going to continue. Judaism’s traditional focus on family and children and education will continue to be replaced by what are essentially secular politics. Would a concerted effort to re-energize the practice of Judaism and connect more closely with Israel help, maybe. But, in the long run, if you can’t bring lots of people to the table because they were never born, it won’t matter.
https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2021/05/11/jewish-demographics/
I say, once again, Jews are not alone. The fatigue you speak of here in The West is the endless struggle to maintain the livelihoods and wealth of Nations here in The West waged at the top of all the States of The West to keep our high living standards. Further, we Jews have this crucial advantage: we know and see the real Enemy which is Nazism, because the Nazism behind all of the insurgent Antisemitism is clearly monitored here in Europe and in clear view, and is a threat to the whole of the rest of the World. Our job, which is a unique and covenanted and universal calling against this genocidal Totalitarianism, is an Eternal calling, and is recognised as such by the WHOLE of the rest of the World. Those of us used to this left the Fatigue you speak of behind long ago. To vigilance and Victory, my friends! The battle against Totalitarian Nazism is being won. And we have many friends! Thus we can ignore the narcissistic prating of the Liberal elites in The West. This is why morale in Israel is sky high. We won against Nazism. For Real Nazism, which is the real enemy of the whole planet, has once again been defeated! And now we will beat them again and again and again…!
Einat Wilf wrote about Jews giving a "pound of flesh" each time we give up, hide or ignore aspects of our Jewishness in order to fit in with wider society.
Thank you for a most insightful and thought provoking essay. I think you are right about a serious problem in so many RJ communities, mine included. I’m often silent. Too many views are too hot. It disappoints and frustrates me. Absolutely, we need to acknowledge among us that our politics often don’t align, then look to Torah and our central Jewish values and practices for wisdom and guidance on being Jewish together in a mindbogglingly complex world.
How does one become more Jewish within the parameters of the Reform leniencies? I ask without sarcasm. Enlightenment didn't enlighten anyone. It was the beginning of the slippery slope. Replace G-d with the State. The Reform movement is a result of that. Judaism watered down so much that it allowed causes to become the religion.
I agree that that is what happened in the Reform movement, but disagree that it is still the case. Many congregations, particularly in Canada, have for maybe two decades been doubling down on Jewish study and practice. Stream one of our services at Temple Sholom in Vancouver and see what you think.
Same for Temple Emanu-El in Montreal. The rabbis are liberal, lgbtq+ and Zionist.
I don't doubt you. I did look at the website and it seems to be the standard Reform message. Social Justice etc. I will try and listen. Are your services taped? I didn't see where i can listen.
You can livestream at https://www.templesholom.ca/livestream, remembering that we are on Pacific Daylight Time at the moment. Or, watch later via the YouTube archive here: https://www.youtube.com/@TempleSholomBC/streams. Or better yet, come and visit us! Shabbat Shalom, Sara.
Thank you. Who knows? Maybe one day I will. Shalom and Shabbat Shalom.
I am not from the US, but Canada, which like most countries in the Diaspora, has few Reform synagogues, and it is telling, being the complete outlier of the Diaspora. Reform has appeared to have destroyed most of the Jewish community in the US. Since they chose in the late 1990s to become a social activist sect with a smidgen of Judaism called Tikkun Olam as their Jewish content, they have chosen to demonize Israel for decades and taught hatred of religious Jews. If one focuses mostly on social activism as a religion , why be Jewish when one can be Marxist/Socialist/ pro-Hamas? When one teaches hate to children and youth, they internalize that hate and often become self-hating of anything Jewish including their identity. Thus one now sees pro-Hamas atrocity Jews, keffiyeh wearing and chanting "From the River to the Sea" calling for the eradication of Israel and nearly eight million Israeli Jews, and running around campuses on Jew hunts. .
Not all Reform Synagogues are the same. We belong to Holy Blossom Temple in Toronto. While there is room for discussion it is a zionist Reform Synagogue
Thank you so much for this beautiful & important piece.
If I am only for myself who will be for me. Too many Reform Congregations have decided that Tikun Olam means support the policies of the Democratic Party. And today supporting the Democratic Party means at best standing aside as the Jewish state is slandered and smeared with the most despicable lies. At worst it means standing shoulder to shoulder with those doing the smearing.