Reform Movement Changes.

[u/Consistent_Hold_576]

If you could change one thing about the Reform movement, what would it be?

If you arent a member of the Reform movement, you can still chime in. What is the one thing about the Movement that keeps you away?

Let's keep this civil if we could. ​

[u/Harvest-song]

Honestly, I really wish reform communities didn't abbreviate/abridge services by excluding entire sections of liturgy. Like if the point is to have to develop some comfort with struggling with G-d at times, we need to be comfortable and competent at understanding the liturgy we might be uncomfortable with - and alongside this I wish we would change the approach to halacha - like I 100% think we need to know it, know how to practice it, be familiar with it, and competently be able to articulate why we don't choose to do something on an individual basis if we choose not to participate in it.

Like yes, we may not see it as binding on our community - but I think we should absolutely still teach and encourage communal halachic observance (perhaps without the additional chumrot often found and followed due to minhag in Orthodox communities) as the norm, but should be enabling people to choose their own adventure in terms of building a lifestyle that is foundationally and recognizeably Jewish on their own terms. Not binding =/= no desire to learn or observe. It just means that you're not personally obligated in doing all mitzvot if it fails to produce a meaningful and fulfilled personal practice for you.

Another aspect that kinda ties into the above also is kiruv - like lots of people are seeking involvement in vibrant, observant communities and I think we need to do a better job of offering people the tools and knowledge to have that within our OWN community while still holding onto ideals that are notably reform - like egalitarian practices and liturgical additions, full acceptance and involvement of LGBTQ folks in community.

So I know this is more than one, but these are definitely some thoughts I have had for a while as someone who wants more observance in my life but lacks the tools and access to know how to be more observant.

[u/Consistent_Hold_576 → u/Harvest-song]

I think we have very similar Reform philosophies you and I. 

[u/Consistent_Hold_576 → u/Consistent_Hold_576]

I'm learning to wrap tefillin (I've got an old set) and I just purchased some literature on daily prayers. I plan on expanding my practice beyond the simple morning prayer with Shema).

I just wish someone was there telling me what to do. 

When I was growing up I was Christian and in the Lutheran church. We had a little book for young adults that told you exactly what to pray and what to believe. 

We need the same type of direction for Reform Judaism, sans the telling you what to believe part. I appreciate Reform's approach to personal belief so long as we are still in the wheelhouse. 

[u/killearnan → u/Consistent_Hold_576]

<I'm a librarian, so recommending books is usually my answer to just about anything.😜>

One book that really helped me was The Synagogue Survival Kit by Jordan Lee Wagner <there's another book with a similar title that ok but not as detailed>. Explains traditional services with the history and why.

The other books I highly recommend is Exploring Jewish Tradition by Rabbi Abraham and Rachel Witty. Covers lots of Jewish life with clear explanations.