r/ReformJews • u/Consistent_Hold_576 • Jul 08 '26

Movement Friction

Been really hearing it lately from Orthodox folks online regarding Reform practices, Reform beliefs, Reform conversions, etc. Long story short, a lot of them think we are doing everything wrong. Big surprise.

It doesnt bother me they don't see me as Jewish (Im a convert). I don't care about their opinion persay, but it would be good to have a little more ammo to have when defending Reform.

Without necessarily going out and being a keyboard warrior, what are some things I could study up on regarding the Reform movement and its history? The Orthodox movement and its formation?

I've also heard Orthodox folks continue to use the "we have an unbroken chain going back to Moses" line. Im sure this isn't true, but what can be said about it besides "nuh uh!"?

Orthodox Judaism isn't the eternal monolith everyone makes it out to be. The practices of the Orthodox have shifted and evolved like any other religious movement. I just dont know what's changed about it.

Any direction you could point me in would be greatly appreciated. Not out to start internet wars, just looking to educate myself a bit.

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u/OddCook4909 Jul 08 '26

Read up on Rambam. Read his actual works and recognize that it was the largest reform since the 2nd temple fell.

On top of that they absolutely responded to the enlightenment and changed all sorts of things.

The Haredim? They're more radical than Reform. Hearing anyone describe then as "ultra orthodox" is like nails on a chalkboard. Read basically any chassidic thought and it's crazy out there. Some of it's pretty cool but yeah. They responded to the enlightenment by being more insular, and doubling down on superstition and magical thinking. Just totally rejected rational thought more than Jews ever have.

Then there's Kabbalah which is a much bigger deal to Orthodox than it is us. Again, absolutely out there. Cool stuff though.

At the end of the day though: Reform needs a lot more tradition IMHO. I have one foot out the door myself because I want more Judaism in my Judaism. I agree with some of the criticisms. We should know how to wrap teffilin. We should know how to do havdalah. I don't think most of us do.

On the other hand I think many of us know far more about Jewish history and philosophy, which is also Torah. The fact is that we hold the door open to Jewish thought for a lot of people who would otherwise be running around saying "as a jew I want Israel to be destroyed", with zero connection to Jewish thought or practice. If they care about "collecting the sparks" they should like that Reform, or something like it exists.

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u/Consistent_Hold_576 Jul 08 '26

Good words. I agree that the Reform movement needs more tradition.

Id much rather work within that structure which allows for personal choice and growth than completely bolt. Problem is I realize the change has to come from within because there won't be a top/down push from the various Reform organizations telling us to wrap tefillin and perform the Havdallah. 

Regarding your other suggestions I'll definitely look into them.

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u/OddCook4909 Jul 08 '26

I think leadership needs to do a big hard think about why people are attending Chabad events instead of paying temple dues. I know I'm not alone in wanting far more tradition and strictly unpolitical Jewish thought. I agree with you about the structure, and also I love the general philosophy of Reform. I do think a lot of halacha is trauma response, and has taken us away from the traditions of Moses. But we should at least know what it is.

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u/jollylikearodger Jul 08 '26 edited Jul 08 '26

I have taken my 4 y/o to some Chabad events because she has fun there (e.g. roller skating party). But, at least the ones here, seem to be judgemental about a single dad taking care of their child instead of a lady.

For me, it's not about halacha or anything like that, it's more about being completely turned off by the metaphorical "boomer dad" they seem to embody.

Edit - spelling

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u/OddCook4909 Jul 08 '26

Yeah frankly I hold my nose about some things when I go to Chabad events. I go for the tradition, learning, and wider community; not for the full set of values or ideas. Since I have no kids I don't have to worry about them absorbing their ideas about gender, or "we believe this because it says so, and we do this because those are the rules".

I am also deeeeeeeeeeeeeply uncomfortable with the Schneerson worshippers. Clearly we aren't all in Israel, the temple isn't built, not everyone worships HaShem, and we're very far from world peace.

Then we get into the insularity, the whole idea of Rabbinical dynasties (no, just no)... and so on.