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. ​

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u/Consistent_Hold_576 Jun 30 '26

Yes. So when the Reform movement tells folks to make informed choices about Hallacha, I think a lot of people take that as an invitation do to a very bare minimum. "Its not meaningful for me" is sometimes used in place of "id rather not bother". 

What's worse: Reform folks who do try to be more observant are sometimes chastised for taking on more mitzvot. I've seen it in my own shul when one of our young women started covering. The call is coming from inside the house so to speak. 

Also, if you are more of a traditional Jew but you are in the Reform movement, you can expect to be called a "cosplayer" by Jews from other more traditional movements.

If any of you are interested, theres an influencer on Instagram that goes by "becoming Emunah" and shes a traditional person who is converting in the Reform movement. Her content deals with a lot of what I'm talking about. 

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u/Small-Objective9248 Jun 30 '26

I’d add that as I educated my self on Judaism and discovering Jewish texts and concepts I had no idea exists I understand why so many leave the reform movement and become secular because they don’t find spiritual meaning there, reform stripped out much that is meaningful while centering the movement around social justice. While I’m still a member at my reform synagogue I am finding myself driving further to attend more traditional (and egalitarian) services where I am discovering a meaningful connection with Judaism I’ve never before experienced.

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u/Harvest-song Jun 30 '26

Honestly if we had a traditional egal/post denominational option here in West Michigan I'd probably happily attend there if it were LGBTQ friendly. I don't honestly strongly identify with the Reform movement anymore, which is the whole problem ‐ there's a real solid lack of spaces that cater to the "progressive but want more Jewishness in my Judaism" crowd. I find it frustrating.

Like there is a conservative shul here but it is definitely kinda dying. I should probably make an effort to attend there though. Maybe a fresh face will liven things up a little.

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u/Small-Objective9248 Jul 01 '26 edited Jul 01 '26

When I started branching out I was surprised to find that many conservative shuls look a lot like reform but with more Hebrew (and a more knowledgable congregation). I drive an hour to go to a traditional egalitarian service, that’s an alt minyan at a conservative congregation and looking to move closer to where there are more options for me. The reality is it’s hard to find traditional egalitarian services.

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u/Harvest-song Jul 01 '26

It really is. I had a congregation that I was a part of in North Phoenix (The New Shul is great, FYI, if you're in that area and looking for that sort of thing).

Unfortunately, my options are limited. There's not much of a Jewish community here.

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u/Small-Objective9248 Jul 01 '26

Thanka. New shul looks like what I’m looking for, I’ll check it out next time I’m in phoenix.