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soc.culture.jewish FAQ: Reform Judaism (10/12)

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	   Frequently Asked Questions on Reform/Progressive Judaism
         [Last Change: $Date: 1995/10/19 15:24:31 $ $Revision: 1.6 $]
                    [Last Post: Fri Feb  6 11:07:21 US/Pacific 2004]

   The FAQ is a collection of documents that is an attempt to answer
   questions that are continually asked on the soc.culture.jewish family
   of newsgroups. It was written by cooperating laypeople from the
   various Judaic movements. You should not make any assumption as to
   accuracy and/or authoritativeness of the answers provided herein. In
   all cases, it is always best to consult a competent authority--your
   local rabbi is a good place to start.
   
   [2][Got Questions?] Hopefully, the FAQ will provide the answer to your
   questions. If it doesn't, please drop Email to
   [3]questions@scjfaq.org. The FAQ maintainer will endeavor to direct
   your query to an appropriate individual that can answer it. If you
   would like to be part of the group to which the maintainer directs
   questions, please drop a note to the FAQ maintainer at
   [4]maintainer@scjfaq.org.
   
   The deceased sages described within are of blessed memory, (assume a
   Z"L or ZT"L after their names) and the sages alive today should live
   to see long and good days (assume SHLITA). May Hashem grant complete
   recovery to the ill. Individual honorifics are omitted.
   
   The FAQ was produced by a committee and is a cooperative work. The
   contributors never standardized on transliteration scheme from Hebrew,
   Aramaic, Yiddish, or Ladino to English. As a result, the same original
   word might appear with a variety of spellings. This is complicated by
   the fact that there are regional variations in the pronunciation of
   Hebrew. In some places, the common spelling variations are mentioned;
   in others--not. We hope that this is not too confusing.
   
   In general, throughout this FAQ, North American (US/Canada) terms are
   used to refer to the movements of Judaism. Outside of North American,
   Reform is Progressive or Liberal Judaism; Conservative is Masorti or
   Neolog, and Orthodoxy is often just "Judaism". Even with this, there
   are differences in practice, position, and ritual between US/Canada
   Reform and other progressive/liberal movements (such as UK
   Progressive/ Liberal), and between US/Canada Conservative and the
   conservative/Masorti movement elsewhere. Where appropriate, these
   differences will be highlighted.
   
   The goal of the FAQ is to present a balanced view of Judaism; where a
   response is applicable to a particular movement only, this will be
   noted. Unless otherwise noted or implied by the text, all responses
   reflect the traditional viewpoint.
   
   This list should be used in conjunction with the Soc.Culture.Jewish
   [5]reading lists. Similar questions can be found in the books
   referenced in those lists.
   
   There are also numerous other Jewish FAQs available on the Internet
   that are not part of the SCJ FAQ/RL suite. An index to these may be
   found at [6]www.scjfaq.org/otherfaqs.html
   
   This FAQ is a volunteer effort. If you wish to support the maintenance
   of the FAQ, please see [7]Section 20, Question 99 for more
   information.


     Special Introduction to the Reform/Progressive Portion of the FAQ
                                      
   This portion of the FAQ is drawn primarily from published positions of
   the [2]Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) and the [3]Central Conference of
   American Rabbis (CCAR) -- the primary organizations for Reform Judaism
   in North American. As such, the positions represented here are
   collectively those of [4]the Reform movement, as canonized by its
   leadership. Individuals in the movement have personal positions that
   differ, some more traditional, some more liberal. Note: In November
   2003, the Union of American Hebrew Congregations (UAHC) voted to
   change its name to the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ): Serving Reform
   Judaism in North America. You will like be seeing references to UAHC
   for a long time; mentally translate them to URJ.
   
   The positions in this part of the FAQ primarily reflect those of North
   American Reform Jewry. Where appropriate and when it differs,
   clarifications about Reform/Progressive practice outside of North
   America is provided. Additional clarifications of this sort are always
   welcome.
   
   Again, as with any group, there are individuals who do not follow the
   recommendations of the movement, and yet associate themselves with the
   movement. This occurs in all aspects of Judaism. Remember to
   distinguish the individual from the movement, and strive to encourage
   those living with a less-than-serious commitment to their movement to
   strengthen that commitment. Throughout the remainder of this posting,
   unless otherwise qualified, the phrase "Reform Jew" refers to an
   individual committed to Reform Judaism and acting in accordance with
   the recommendations of Reform Judaism.
   
   This list should be used in conjunction with the Soc.Culture.Jewish
   [5]Reform Reading List. Similar questions can be found in the books
   referenced in those lists.

   Reproduction of this posting for commercial use is subject to
   restriction. See Part 1 for more details.

------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: ORGANIZATION

   This portion of the FAQ contains answers to the following questions:

   Section 18. Reform/Progressive Judaism
     * [8]Introduction to the Reform/Progressive FAQ
       
    1. General Questions
         1. [9]What is Reform Judaism? 
         2. [10]What, if any, are the fundamental principles of Reform? 
         3. [11]Is a Jew affiliated with Reform Judaism less "religious"
            than one affiliated with another movement? 
         4. [12]How is Reform Judaism structured in the North America? 
         5. [13]How is Reform Judaism structured in the rest of the
            world? 
         6. [14]How big is Reform Judaism? 
    2. History 
         1. [15]How did Reform Judaism start? 
         2. [16]Why did Reform Judaism start? 
         3. [17]I've heard reference to "Classic German Reform". What is
            it? 
         4. [18]What is Reform Judaism today? 
    3. What is Reform Judaism's position on... 
         1. [19]The authority of Torah? 
         2. [20]The authority of Talmud? 
         3. [21]What is acceptable practice? 
         4. [22]What is unacceptable practice? 
         5. [23]The necessity of belief in G-d? 
         6. [24]The role of Israel? 
         7. [25]Other Jewish movements? 
         8. [26]Homosexuality 
         9. [27]Intermarriage 
        10. [28]Abortion 
        11. [29]Mixed (Interfaith) Marriages 
        12. [30]The role of women 
        13. [31]Outreach 
        14. [32]How an individual's Jewish status is determined 
        15. [33]The Messiah 
    4. Stereotypes: The fallacy verses reality 
         1. [34]Fallacy: Reform Jews choose practice based solely on
            convenience 
         2. [35]Fallacy: Either patrilineal or matrilineal descent is
            accepted 
         3. [36]Fallacy: Reform Conversions take no study, and are for
            convenience only 
         4. [37]Fallacy: Reform Judaism encourages intermarriage 
         5. [38]Fallacy: Intermarried couples have exactly the same
            rights as non-intermarried couples in Reform Congregations 
         6. [39]Fallacy: Reform Judaism has Rabbis and congregations that
            don't believe in G-d 
         7. [40]Fallacy: There are no 3rd or 4th generation Reform Jews. 
         8. [41]Fallacy: An atheist could be considered a "good" Reform
            Jew 
         9. [42]Fallacy: Reform Jews don't have Bar Mitzvahs 
        10. [43]Fallacy: Reform totally ignores "Jewish" divorce (i.e.,
            gets) 
        11. [44]Fallacy: All Reform Congregations Are Rich 
        12. [45]Fallacy: Reform Rabbis do not study Halacha 
        13. [46]Fallacy: Reform Jews don't care about Jewish ideals and
            principles. 
        14. [47]Fallacy: Reform Jews don't need to attend synagogue. 
        15. [48]Fallacy: Reform Jews don't believe in Zionism and don't
            support Israel. 
        16. [49]Fallacy: Reform Jews have no concept of the Messiah. 
        17. [50]Fallacy: Reform Jews do not observe Shabbat 
        18. [51]Fallacy: Reform Jews ignore the laws of Kashrut 
        19. [52]Fallacy: Reform rejects most of Maimonides 13 Principles
            of Faith 
    5. Differences from Traditional Judaism 
         1. [53]Why does Reform liturgy say "m'chayey hakol" [who gives
            life to all] instead of m'chayey meytim" [who gives life to
            the dead] ? 
         2. [54]What other changes to liturgy reflect Reform ideals? 
         3. [55]Why does Reform generally celebrate Rosh Hashanah for one
            day? 
         4. [56]How does a Reform conversion differ from an Orthodox
            conversion? 
    6. The Rabbinate 
         1. [57]How does one become a Reform Rabbi? 
         2. [58]What is the course of study for the Rabbinate? 
         3. [59]How does one become a Reform Cantor? 
         4. [60]What is the course of study for cantors? 
         5. [61]What other courses of study are available? 
         6. [62]Can Reform Rabbis be sanctioned for their beliefs 
    7. For Further Information 
         1. [63]How do I contact the main organizations in Reform
            Judaism? 
         2. [64]How do I find a Reform congregation? 
         3. [65]Are there any Reform Rabbis on the network who will
            answer questions? 
         4. [66]How do I start the conversion process? 
         5. [67]I'd like to do some further reading. Where do I start? 
       
     * [68]Special Credits for the Reform/Progressive FAQ 


------------------------------------------------------------

Subject: Question 18.1.1: What is Reform Judaism?

                                  Answer:
   
   Reform is the most liberal of the major movements within Judaism
   today. It started in the 1800s in Germany during the emancipation, and
   encouraged examination of religion with an eye towards rationality and
   egalitarianism.
   
   Reform differs from the other major movements in that it views both
   the Oral and Written laws as a product of human hands (specifically,
   it views the Torah as Divinely inspired, but written in the language
   of the time in which it was given). The laws reflect their times, but
   contain many timeless truths. The Reform movement stresses retention
   of the key principles of Judaism (as it sees them; for details,
   consult the [5]Reform Reading List). As for practice, it strongly
   recommends individual study of the traditional practices; however, the
   adherent is free to follow only those practices that increase the
   sanctity of their relationship to G-d. Reform also stresses equality
   between the sexes.
   
   Reform Judaism shares the universal Jewish emphasis on learning, duty,
   and obligation rather than creed as the primary expression of a
   religious life. Reform stresses that ethical responsibilities,
   personal and social, are enjoined by G-d. Reform also believes that
   our ethical obligations are but a beginning; they extend to many other
   aspects of Jewish living, including: creating a Jewish home centered
   on family devotion; life-long study; private prayer and public
   worship; daily religious observance; keeping the Sabbath and the holy
   days; celebrating the major events of life; involvement with the
   synagogue and community; and other activities that promote the
   survival of the Jewish people and enhance its existence. Within each
   aspect of observance Reform Judaism demands Jews confront the claims
   of Jewish tradition, however differently perceived, and to exercise
   their individual autonomy--based, as the Sh'ma says, upon reason,
   heart, and strength--choosing and creating their holiness as people
   and as community. The requirement for commitment and knowledge is
   repeatedly emphasized. A Reform Jew who determines their practice
   based on convenience alone is not acting in accordance with the
   recommended position of Reform Judaism. Reform also rejects the faith
   tenets of other religions as a matter of first principles.
   
   It should be noted that many of the paths taken by the Reform movement
   differ from those of traditional Judaism. These differences result in
   many of the discussions you will see on S.C.J.
   
   Here are some references to some other statements about "What is
   Reform Judaism?":
     * "What is Reform Judaism": [6]http://rj.org/rj.html. Statement on
       the UAHC Web Page
     * "A Statement of Principles for Reform Judaism":
       [7]http://ccarnet.org/platforms/principles.html. Statement adopted
       by the CCAR in 1999
     * "Why Be Reform?": [8]http://uahc.org/yoffie/whyref.html. A
       statement by UAHC President Eric H. Yoffie
     * A New Era For Reform: [9]http://rj.org/uahc/rjmag/397dr.html. A
       letter that appeared in Reform Judaism magazine
       
   In terms of size, the [10]UAHC 1993-1994 annual report notes that
   there were a total of 853 UAHC-affiliated congregations, with a total
   reported congregational membership of 302,193 member units (families,
   singles, etc.). This can be contrasted with the 1983-1984 period,
   where there were 773 congregations with a total of 269,406 member
   units. Congregations range in size from a 2-member-unit congregation
   in Port Gibson, Mississippi, to "mega"-shuls such as Wilshire Blvd
   Temple in Los Angeles (2,123 member units), Anshe Chesed in Cleveland
   Ohio (2,151), Holy Blossom Temple in Toronto Ontario (2,043), Temple
   Israel in Minneapolis Minnesota (2,075), Washington Hebrew
   Congregation in Washington DC (2,783), Congregation Emanu-El in New
   York City (2,650), Temple Israel in W. Bloomfield Michigan (2,659),
   Temple Emanu-El in Dallas Texas (2,526), and Cong. Beth Israel in
   Houston Texas (2,011).

------------------------------------------------------------

Subject: Question 18.1.2: What, if any, are the fundamental principles of
         Reform?

                                  Answer:
   
   The fundamental principles of today's Reform movement are captured in
   the [5]Statement of Principles
   ([6]http://www.ccarnet.org/platforms/principles.html) adopted by the
   CCAR in May 1999. The following are some excepts from that statement,
   modified slightly for FAQ presentation (e.g., "We" was changed to
   "Reform Jews", etc.). Note that the principles of Reform have changed
   over time, from the 1855 [7]Pittsburgh Platform
   ([8]http://www.ccarnet.org/platforms/pittsburgh.html) to the 1937
   [9]Columbus Platform
   ([10]http://www.ccarnet.org/platforms/columbus.html), to the 1976
   [11]Centenary Perspective
   ([12]http://www.ccarnet.org/platforms/centenary.html), to the 1999
   Statement of Principles.
   
    G-d
    
     * Reform Jews affirm the reality and oneness of G-d, even as we may
       differ in our understanding of the Divine presence.
     * Reform Jews affirm that the Jewish people is bound to G-d by an
       eternal b'rit, covenant, as reflected in our varied understandings
       of Creation, Revelation and Redemption.
     * Reform Jews affirm that every human being is created b'tzelem
       Elohim, in the image of G-d, and that therefore every human life
       is sacred.
     * Reform Jews regard with reverence all of G-d's creation and
       recognize our human responsibility for its preservation and
       protection.
     * Reform Jews encounter G-d's presence in moments of awe and wonder,
       in acts of justice and compassion, in loving relationships and in
       the experiences of everyday life.
     * Reform Jews respond to G-d daily: through public and private
       prayer, through study and through the performance of other
       mitzvot, sacred obligations -- bein adam la Makom, to G-d, and
       bein adam la-chaveiro, to other human beings.
     * Reform Jews strive for a faith that fortifies us through the
       vicissitudes of our lives -- illness and healing, transgression
       and repentance, bereavement and consolation, despair and hope.
     * Reform Jews continue to have faith that, in spite of the
       unspeakable evils committed against our people and the sufferings
       endured by others, the partnership of G-d and humanity will
       ultimately prevail.
     * Reform Jews trust in our tradition's promise that, although G-d
       created us as finite beings, the spirit within us is eternal.
       
    Torah
    
     * Reform Jews affirm that Torah is the foundation of Jewish life.
     * Reform Jews cherish the truths revealed in Torah, G-d's ongoing
       revelation to our people and the record of our people's ongoing
       relationship with G-d.
     * Reform Jews affirm that Torah is a manifestation of ahavat olam,
       G-d's eternal love for the Jewish people and for all humanity.
     * Reform Jews affirm the importance of studying Hebrew, the language
       of Torah and Jewish liturgy, that we may draw closer to our
       people's sacred texts.
     * Reform Jews are called by Torah to lifelong study in the home, in
       the synagogue and in every place where Jews gather to learn and
       teach. Through Torah study Reform Jews are called to mitzvot, the
       means by which we make our lives holy.
     * Reform Jews are committed to the ongoing study of the whole array
       of mitzvot and to the fulfillment of those that address us as
       individuals and as a community. Some of these mitzvot, sacred
       obligations, have long been observed by Reform Jews; others, both
       ancient and modern, demand renewed attention as the result of the
       unique context of our own times.
     * Reform Jews bring Torah into the world when we seek to sanctify
       the times and places of our lives through regular home and
       congregational observance. Shabbat calls us to bring the highest
       moral values to our daily labor and to culminate the workweek with
       kedushah, holiness, menuchah, rest and oneg, joy. The High Holy
       Days call us to account for our deeds. The Festivals enable us to
       celebrate with joy our people's religious journey in the context
       of the changing seasons. The days of remembrance remind us of the
       tragedies and the triumphs that have shaped our people's
       historical experience both in ancient and modern times. And we
       mark the milestones of our personal journeys with traditional and
       creative rites that reveal the holiness in each stage of life.
     * Reform Jews bring Torah into the world when we strive to fulfill
       the highest ethical mandates in our relationships with others and
       with all of G-d's creation. Partners with G-d in tikkun olam,
       repairing the world, we are called to help bring nearer the
       messianic age. We seek dialogue and joint action with people of
       other faiths in the hope that together we can bring peace, freedom
       and justice to our world. We are obligated to pursue tzedek,
       justice and righteousness, and to narrow the gap between the
       affluent and the poor, to act against discrimination and
       oppression, to pursue peace, to welcome the stranger, to protect
       the earth's biodiversity and natural resources, and to redeem
       those in physical, economic and spiritual bondage. In so doing, we
       reaffirm social action and social justice as a central prophetic
       focus of traditional Reform Jewish belief and practice. We affirm
       the mitzvah of tzedakah, setting aside portions of our earnings
       and our time to provide for those in need. These acts bring us
       closer to fulfilling the prophetic call to translate the words of
       Torah into the works of our hands.
       
    Israel
    
     * Reform Jews are Israel, a people aspiring to holiness, singled out
       through our ancient covenant and our unique history among the
       nations to be witnesses to G-d's presence. We are linked by that
       covenant and that history to all Jews in every age and place.
     * Reform Jews are committed to the mitzvah of ahavat Yisrael, love
       for the Jewish people, and to k'lal Yisrael, the entirety of the
       community of Israel. Recognizing that kol Yisrael arevim zeh
       ba-zeh, all Jews are responsible for one another, we reach out to
       all Jews across ideological and geographical boundaries.
     * Reform Jews embrace religious and cultural pluralism as an
       expression of the vitality of Jewish communal life in Israel and
       the Diaspora.
     * Reform Jews pledge to fulfill Reform Judaism's historic commitment
       to the complete equality of women and men in Jewish life.
     * Reform Jews are an inclusive community, opening doors to Jewish
       life to people of all ages, to varied kinds of families, to all
       regardless of their sexual orientation, to gerim, those who have
       converted to Judaism, and to all individuals and families,
       including the intermarried, who strive to create a Jewish home.
     * Reform Jews believe that we must not only open doors for those
       ready to enter our faith, but also to actively encourage those who
       are seeking a spiritual home to find it in Judaism.
     * Reform Jews are committed to strengthening the people Israel by
       supporting individuals and families in the creation of homes rich
       in Jewish learning and observance.
     * Reform Jews are committed to strengthening the people Israel by
       making the synagogue central to Jewish communal life, so that it
       may elevate the spiritual, intellectual and cultural quality of
       our lives.
     * Reform Jews are committed to Medinat Yisrael, the State of Israel,
       and rejoice in its accomplishments. We affirm the unique qualities
       of living in Eretz Yisrael, the land of Israel, and encourage
       aliyah, immigration to Israel.
     * Reform Jews are committed to a vision of the State of Israel that
       promotes full civil, human and religious rights for all its
       inhabitants and that strives for a lasting peace between Israel
       and its neighbors.
     * Reform Jews are committed to promoting and strengthening
       Progressive Judaism in Israel, which will enrich the spiritual
       life of the Jewish state and its people.
     * Reform Jews affirm that both Israeli and Diaspora Jewry should
       remain vibrant and interdependent communities. As we urge Jews who
       reside outside Israel to learn Hebrew as a living language and to
       make periodic visits to Israel in order to study and to deepen
       their relationship to the Land and its people, so do we affirm
       that Israeli Jews have much to learn from the religious life of
       Diaspora Jewish communities.
     * Reform Jews are committed to furthering Progressive Judaism
       throughout the world as a meaningful religious way of life for the
       Jewish people.

------------------------------------------------------------

Subject: Question 18.1.3: Is a Jew affiliated with Reform Judaism less
         "religious" than one affiliated with another movement?

                                  Answer:
   
   Religion is a personal matter of belief, and just as there is a wide
   spectrum of underlying belief (regardless of outward practice) in
   other movements, there is in Reform Judaism.
   
   Practice is a different question. Although Reform permits a wide
   variety of practice--indeed, fully traditional practice could be
   accomodated in Reform if it was the result of honest study--the
   normative practice of American Reform Jewish is less ritualistic than,
   for example, Orthodox practice. This is a logical consequence of
   Reform's emphasis upon kevanah or devotion as an essential part of
   Jewish ritual and practice. The notion is that rituals and practices
   mean more if one is committed to their reason and significance,
   emotional, rational, and spiritual.

------------------------------------------------------------

Subject: Question 18.1.4: How is Reform Judaism structured in the North
         America?

                                  Answer:
   
   In North America, the principal organization for Reform Jewry is the
   [5]Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) ([6]http://www.urj.org). URJ was
   founded in 1873 as the Union of American Hebrew Congregations (UAHC)
   by Rabbi Isaac Meyer Wise, and serves as the umbrella organization for
   Reform Synagogues throughout North America. It was renamed Union for
   Reform Judaism in November 2003.
   
   URJ funds a seminary system for Reform Judaism: the [7]Hebrew Union
   College--Jewish Institute for Religion ([8]http://huc.edu). HUC was
   founded in 1875, and it now has [9]campuses in Cincinnati, Ohio (+1
   513 221 1875); New York City, New York (+1 212 674 5300); Los Angeles,
   California (+1 213 749 3424); and Jerusalem ISRAEL (+972 2 232 444).
   See [10]http://www.huc.edu/campuses.html for specifics.
   
   URJ works with a number of professional organizations:
     * CCAR. The CCAR or [11]Central Conference of American Rabbis
       (founded in 1889) [[12]http://ccarnet.org]. Its members are the
       body of rabbis who consider themselves and are considered to be
       the organized rabbinate of Reform Judaism. Its members consist of
       Reform Rabbis ordained at the [13]Hebrew Union College (HUC), as
       well as Reform Rabbis ordained at liberal seminaries in Europe,
       and some rabbis who joined the Reform movement sometime subsequent
       to ordination (most of these were ordained either at Conservative
       Judaism's [14]Jewish Theological Seminary or [15]University of
       Judaism, or at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College). Note
       that not all HUC graduates are CCAR members; some leave for
       ideological reasons or because they have joined a different
       movement. The CCAR publishes a quarterly rabbinic journal called
       [16]CCAR Journal.
     * ACOC. [17]American Conference of Cantors ([18]http://rj.org/acc/).
       The ACC is the professional organization of over two hundred fifty
       invested and/or certified cantors. Responsible for raising the
       professional standards of synagogue musicians, the ACC offers
       continuing education programs in conjunction with HUC-JIR School
       of Sacred Music and professional development opportunities for its
       members. Members of the ACC have special expertise in the music of
       the Jewish people and serve synagogues and communities in
       pastoral, worship, programming, and educational roles. The ACC
       sponsors an annual convention and publishes Koleinu, a monthly
       newsletter. It also offers placement services to its members and
       UAHC congregations through the Joint Cantorial Placement
       Commission.
     * NATA. [19]National Association of Temple Administrators
       ([20]http://rj.org/nata/). The National Association of Temple
       Administrators is the professional organization founded in 1941
       for those who serve Reform Synagogues as executives,
       administrators, or managers. The title does not reflect the
       international make up of the organization, currently there are
       more than 400 members from the United States, Australia, Canada
       and Great Britain.
     * NATE. [21]National Association of Temple Educators
       ([22]http://rj.org/nate/). NATE. is the professional organization
       of Educators serving congregations of the Reform Movement as
       Directors of Education, Principals, Department Heads, Preschool
       Directors and Family Educators. Many NATE. members also serve on
       the professional staff of Bureaus and Central Agencies of Jewish
       Education. A growing number of NATE. Educators direct Reform or
       Community Jewish Day Schools.
       
   URJ works with a number of special-interest groups:
     * WRJ. [23]Women of Reform Judaism (formerly National Federation of
       Temple Sisterhoods) [[24]http://www.rj.org/wrj/]. Women of Reform
       Judaism, The Federation of Temple Sisterhoods, representing
       100,000 women in 600 local Sisterhoods throughout the United
       States, Canada, and thirteen other countries, is the women's
       agency of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations, the central
       body of Reform Judaism in North America.
     * NFTB. [25]National Federation of Temple Brotherhoods
       ([26]http://www.rj.org/nftb). NFTB is a coalition of over 250
       affiliated brotherhoods with 30,000 members across North America,
       dedicated to tikkun olam, 'repairing the world', through the
       practice of Brotherhood. NFTB members are actively involved in
       youth education, adult education, social action, and fellowship
       activities which contribute to the enrichment of their synagogue
       community.
     * [27]PARDeS. The Progressive Organization of Reform Day Schools
       ([28]http://www.rj.org/pardes). PARDeS brings together days
       schools and professional and lay leaders committed to advancing
       the cause of full-time Reform Jewish Education. PARDeS fosters
       Jewish identity, literacy and continuity through Jewish education
       in Reform Day Schools...Promotes a life-long covenant with the
       heritage of Judaism...And, advocates for excellence in education,
       (secular and Jewish).
     * ARZA/World Union. Association of Reform Zionists of America/World
       Union ([29]http://www.rj.org/arzawuna) The mission of ARZA/WORLD
       UNION, North America is to further the development of Progressive
       Judaism in Israel and throughout the world. ARZA/WORLD UNION,
       North America strives to strengthen Jewish communities by
       encouraging Jewish solidarity, promoting religious pluralism and
       furthering Zionism. ARZA/WORLD UNION, North America is working to
       strengthen the relationship of North American Reform Jews with
       Progressive Jewish communities in Israel and throughout the world
       and to educate and inform our constituency on relevant matters of

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