Sermons

CLASSICAL REFORM JUDAISM

Rabbi Howard A. Berman
January 1, 2007

The major commitment of the American Council for Judaism in this new era of its history, is the national advocacy of Classical Reform Judaism as a vital alternative for American Jews in the 21 st century. In the midst of this work, it has become clear that a concise statement of the major ideals and principles of the historic Reform position could prove to be a valuable resource for reflection and discussion. While the Council offers a variety of more comprehensive interpretations of this issue in its various official statements and publications, we offer this concise overview of the subject for readers of ISSUES.

Like all religious groups, today’s Reform Judaism embraces a broad spectrum of interpretation, belief and practice. A diverse range of philosophies and worship styles are reflected in this spectrum, appropriate to a liberal religious Movement that affirms individual and congregational freedom and autonomy. “Mainstream” Reform in contemporary America, reflects the widespread embrace of traditional Jewish ritual and observance that has characterized the Movement’s theological perspectives, liturgies, and approach to observance over the past fifty years. These trends are primarily reflected in the 1975 Prayer Book of the Central Conference of American Rabbis, Gates of Prayer, and, to an even greater extent in the new “official” liturgy, Mishkan Tefillah.

The term “Classical Reform” is the most commonly used expression to denote the historic expression of Reform Judaism in America, as it developed in the 19 th and early 20 th centuries. The use of the term “classical” is admittedly problematic, and raises the danger of viewing a vital, dynamic expression of religious commitment as antiquarian, or bound to a particular historical period. It also has been used to narrowly define and limit the timeless and enduring teachings of authentic Reform to a particular stage in its development. Other terms associated with this interpretation are “Prophetic Judaism”, referring to the centrality of the ethical ideals of the Biblical Prophets, and “Progressive Reform”, emphasizing both the dynamic element of change, but also delineating a difference between a broad, contemporary spiritual and social liberalism, and the more ritually traditionalist character of “mainstream” Reform practice today. Whichever term is used, the particular ideals and expressions embraced by Classical Reform are clearly distinctive in the contemporary Reform spectrum.

In essence, this tradition embodies the liberal spiritual ideals, rich intellectual foundations and broad universal vision of the early pioneers of the Reform Movement. Grounded in the pluralistic culture of American democracy, Classical Reform celebrates the unique experience of Judaism in the free and open society of the United States, recognizing that Judaism has always engaged in a creative encounter and synthesis with many cultures throughout the ages.

The fundamental principle of Classical Reform is that the eternal Jewish Covenant with God is at the heart of our identity and history as Jews. We understand Judaism to be primarily a universal religious faith, rather than an ethnic, cultural or nationalist identity. As a spiritual community, we cherish the unique ties of history and destiny that link us to our fellow Jews throughout the ages and around the world today. However, the major focus of our commitment is Judaism’s spiritual values. While our faith engenders and empowers many different understandings and interpretations of the Divine, it is the religious quest for faith and meaning that is at the core of our Jewish identity.

We uphold the historic Reform concept, linked to our emphasis on the ethical and moral vision of our Hebrew Prophets, of the “Mission of Israel” – the belief that as Jews, we are called to be witnesses to the Unity of God and the unity of all humanity, and that we must work as individuals and as a community to bring justice and peace to the world. The leaders of the Classical Reform tradition have always been in the forefront of these efforts and challenges, addressing the great social issues of American history with prophetic courage and action. We affirm this broad, universalistic and humanistic spiritual vision.

We cherish the distinctive worship traditions of historic Reform – a meaningful liturgy, primarily in the English language in its highest literary form. While we share a reverence for the Hebrew language as a symbolic link to our ancient history and to our ties to all Jews everywhere, Hebrew is not our native tongue and for most American Jews cannot be the means of authentic worship as the expression of our deepest yearnings and needs in prayer. What makes a worship experience truly “Jewish” is not its degree of Hebrew usage, but rather the ideals and values it reflects. Classical Reform worship also embraces the role of inspiring choral and instrumental music that elevates the spirit, and reflects the highest artistic standards – drawing on both the great historic musical traditions that have been the distinctive heritage of the Reform Synagogue, as well as the compositions of contemporary creativity. Yet another dimension of historic Reform worship is the importance of intellectually challenging preaching that offers the wisdom of our Jewish tradition in addressing both the pressing moral and social issues of our day, as well as our personal spiritual growth and the deeper meaning of our human experience. We believe that these characteristic qualities of Classical Reform worship Services, which for many of us are most meaningfully embodied in the historic liturgy of the Union Prayer Book, continue to offer a vital, creative option for many Jews today. This includes not only the many members of our congregations who were raised in and cherish this tradition, but also countless younger people – who are searching for a meaningful and accessible form of Jewish identity and worship, based not on nostalgia nor ethnicity, but rather rooted in the realities of their experience in our contemporary, pluralistic society.

We particularly affirm and celebrate the unique experience and heritage of the Jewish experience in America. Our Torah’s principles of liberty, justice, and the equality of all people, have shaped American democracy from its earliest colonial beginnings. Inspired by the promise of the American values of freedom and opportunity, Jews have played a vital role in the founding and building of this nation. Classical Reform Judaism has always cherished this noble heritage and has remained committed to the nurturing of a distinctly American expression of Jewish worship, life and culture, that reflect the best of our nation’s democratic ideals.

The question of our relationship as American Jews to the State of Israel, is one of great importance, and has a complex history in the development of the Classical Reform perspective, which embraces a broad diversity of opinion. However, there are a number of perspectives that many of us would share. The historic Reform position has always held that the national period in the early history of our faith was an important formative chapter - creating the shared sense of experience and fostering the spiritual and ethical values that it was our destiny to proclaim and share with all the world. This dynamic view of Jewish history rejects the concept that we are in “exile”. Our link to the land of Israel is a deep historic one, as the "cradle of our faith" – but Israel is not our “homeland”. We believe that America alone is our homeland, not only geographically, but because Jewish values of freedom, liberty and justice have helped shape American democracy. In our affirmation that Jews everywhere share common bonds of history and destiny,  the State of Israel has deep significance for the Jewish experience. As a refuge for many Jews who have suffered persecution and oppression in other places, Israel certainly has special meaning for us. However, that relationship is a spiritual, historical and humanitarian one - it is  not a political tie.  We are American Jews – proud, loyal, responsible citizens of the United States, fully embracing our rights and obligations to our country. We are also part of the timeless, universal "House of Israel". We share with all Jews – and with many other people of good will - the hope and prayer for a secure, prosperous Israel, living in peace and justice with its neighbors.  We support all the potential contributions that its people can make to the creative development of Jewish spiritual values and thought in the modern world - a vital part of that nation's destiny that hopefully will be realized when its energies can be directed to peaceful endeavors. However, we believe that the major setting for the continued dynamic development, influence and mission of Judaism in the future, will lie here in a vital and spiritually renewed American Jewish community.

We celebrate the rich diversity within today’s changing Jewish community. We are particularly committed to offering a warm, loving and unconditional welcome to the ever-increasing number of interfaith and multi-cultural families in our midst. We believe that we must support our young people and their partners and spouses with “open hearts and open doors” - celebrating their weddings and offering them a spiritual community that respects both of their identities and integrity. We believe that Classical Reform Judaism’s broad, universal message and embracing, accessible worship, have a unique role to play in reaching out to our young people in interfaith relationships, and empowering them to find a meaningful setting for sharing their experience of Jewish tradition together.

Our contemporary Reform Movement includes a broad diversity of interpretations and styles. Our hope and commitment is that the historic tradition of Classical Reform, which embodies its own integrity and enduring significance in the midst of the many rich streams of Jewish experience through the ages, is recognized and honored for its continuing vitality and potential to speak to a new generation of Jews today.