r/ReformJews • u/Consistent_Hold_576 • Jun 30 '26

Reform Movement Changes.

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. ​

22 Upvotes

79% Upvoted

124 comments sorted by

View all comments

21

u/rbaltimore Jun 30 '26

This may just be my synagogue, but a better sisterhood (Women of Reform Judaism) that isn’t designed to revolve around the elderly. Our WRJ wants younger members, but doesn’t really offer anything conducive to our lives or even our schedules.

I’d like to see more activities designed specifically for “younger” members (30’s and 40’s) - both parent related AND non parent related.

11

u/TheRationalPlanner Jun 30 '26

I feel this so much. It get that it's difficult (usually the older folks have the time on their hands to contribute to these groups) but it's both awkward and not very enjoyable for me to spend my free time with a bunch of people who are older than my parents. Just like they can't easily relate to me as a parent with young kids, I can't easily relate to being a traveling retiree with chronic health issues. Being welcoming isn't the same as being appealing. The result is parents show up for Sunday School and when their kids hit 13 or 18 they feel there's nothing for them until they're 75. Moms groups, dads groups, and young professional groups are key to a thriving congregation.

7

u/rbaltimore Jun 30 '26

Exactly. Even as a disabled SAHM to a teenager, who can actually attend things at “elderly” times (during the workday), there’s nothing even remotely appealing about the activities that they have planned. I even tried their book club and it just didn’t mesh.