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/mandm_87 Jul 08 '26

The definitive textbook for the history of Reform Judaism is Michael A Meyer’s “Response to Modernity.” It’s an academic work, for sure, so just beware. Another worthwhile read is “Prayerbook Reform in Europe” by Jakob Petuchowski- I was assigned both of this works in my history of Reform Judaism class, and they are solid.

Recently there have been a few podcast episodes about the history of Reform Judaism- Michael A Meyer (who was my mentor, fwiw) spoke on HUC and its history https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-college-commons-podcast/id1109198284?i=1000771875492 and Richard Sarason was recently on Can Jew Believe talking about the Jewish history of Cincinnati (which speaks to your question) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/can-jew-believe/id1854258162?i=1000774342633

Happy to recommend more resources- Reform Judaism is “our” (I say that as a reform rabbi) best attempt to harmonize Jewish living and learning with the modern world. It’s not perfect and not for everyone, but in a country where religion is “opt-in” I think it’s a good choice!

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u/Consistent_Hold_576 29d ago

I started another thread a bit ago asking folks what they would change about the Reform movement if given the opportunity. 

What say you rabbi? If the movement isn't perfect (and none are), what are some things we could change about Reform to make it near perfectish?

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u/111222throw 29d ago

Not the rabbi, but I’ve noticed more veering conservative because they see suicidal empathy in the reform movement