Reform Judaism-Do I still belong?
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- čas přidán 22. 09. 2021
- Reform Judaism seems to have changed. It feels more like a political movement. What happened to the religion I grew up with? Does it still exist? Is there room for me? Does anyone else feel this way? Let me know if the comments...
Thank you for this Lou. I am a convert looking for a synagogue and Rabbi, and have been really turned off by the same things that you were.
It’s distressing to me that I don’t seem to be allowed, or encouraged to explore my spirituality without embracing the politics as well. I’m looking for a new faith home, not a new political party.
🤦🏻♂️
I hear ya. So, I'm a Jew and can't do anything about it. However, where I pray, when I pray, how I pray is up to me. And I DON'T like politics in my lessons. I want to hear sermons about being closer to God, or my family or my faith, not how I'm supposed to vote for this or that person or cause. We're on the same page. Lot's of good people out there, still!
@@TheConfusedJew I haven't experience Politicking in the synagogue in the sermons nor during any seudah, No current events speeches. I have visited many Jewish communities, Sephardic to Satmar. I have heard that this is more common in Reforms and conservative shuls.
@@eliedecastro5716 I agree with you...we go to a modern orthodox shul and although Israel is discussed, not much politicking is shared at the sermon...
Converting means you except every part of the Torah, the Laws and the Covenants. If you are not willing to do this then why convert to Judaism? Also the Land of Israel is as much a part of Judaism as the Torah. If you want to worship the G-d of Israel yet not accept what goes along with being a Jew then become a ben Noach.
wow, stumbled on this and it is something I have been struggling with now for many years. Thanks for posting--so sorry to see no new videos on this channel
Thanks for the comment! Yea, I haven't really posted anything in a while. I guess I couldn't figure out what else to talk about. It's not really a channel that's designed for commerce, so it was time-consuming and I'm not much of a 'vanity' person. Beyond that, I do take requests. :)
Sorry, this will just confuse you more.
This was an exceptional video. Not even sure how I stumbled upon it... Hope you are well and found a community
Signed,
Republican who has been ostracized from today's Reform movement.
Why thank you! So you aren't the only person feeling ostracized these days. Trust me. LOTS of people are rethinking everything. Including left leaning reform Jews. Sort of our 'come to Jesus' moment. You do you! :)
Man this video resonates a ton with me thanks for making it.
You really put it most elegantly but i think a lot of us feel this way. When i was a kid i went to a reform Shul in 2017 and things then weren't at all like it has become now. It's just like when i go to Shul i want to go there to pray and observe the holidays and connect with our community, not have a whole political speech or talk or have ideologies shoved down my throat that have nothing to do with Judaism. Sadly, most shul's seem to have this problem now and days whether they are conservative or reform shuls so which is a shame because i love traditional reform and conservative Judaism and would like to go to services again.
you aren't alone but i hope we can find a good congregation again
I appreciate your kind remarks. Makes it worthwhile to keep doing what I do. As for your points, I agree with everything you've said. We're not alone...my guess, the movement is going to have to decide what it wants to be when it grows up. For now, maybe check out Chabad? They're incredibly cool, helpful and not pushy. Just let them know who you are and what you're trying to do and they'll help. Peace.
I’m right there with you. Life long republican, grew up in a reform congregation but have been disgusted with todays reform Jews for decades now. My wife and I have been married for 20 years and have yet to find a congregation that isn’t filled with silly woke members & administrators. The synagogue we’ve been attending for the past 7 years is conservative but has the same politics as any reform congregation. The newsletters are filled with naive DEI initiatives for the Hebrew school along with other nonsense that is antithetical to G-d’s teachings. Whenever I email the director with a hint of push back I’m always met with an attitude. Perfect example is the absurd number of members who have continued to wear masks even though any sensible person knew they were useless a month into the lockdown. Once our youngest has his bar mitzvah we are out. I doubt the reaction of the world to Oct. 7 will push these people to their senses. Good luck!!
I agree, politics should not dictate a level of faith. So, what do we do? I feel I'm in the same quandary
Apparently, we are not alone...
The Land of Israel is as much a part of Judaism as the Torah. It is the land Ha Shem gave us as part of his everlasting Covenants he made with Avraham, Isaac, Jacob and their descendants. If you can't accept this then become a gentile. What is the point of being a Jew if you reject the Torah, the Laws and what Ha Shem demands of you? Judaism is not just another man made religion. Unlike Christianity and Islam, it is based on revelation not faith. It is based on Ha Shem revealing himself and teaching who and what he wants to the whole people of Israel gathered together at Sinai. This is why Judaism is not a religion. We Jews accepted what G-d said in person and not what some man says. If you are not willing to fulfill your part of the Covenant, then don't be a Jew. The people that hate the Jewish people and Judaism don't distinguish between observant Jews and secular Jews. They hate us all. So why be a part of the Jewish people and put up with the hatred of us if you are not willing to live as an observant Jew?
Thank you for making this video. Resonates.
100%...glad it connected! :)
I’m a reformed Jew and agree completely with you I don’t most with all of Reform Judaisms beliefs but I don’t agree with all of the full orthodox beliefs either
So many of us find ourselves in this exact position, We just want to pray, belong and get on with our lives. Glad I'm not alone! :)
Ur not Jewish
@@Gr8Nate202 not helpful
Hi Lew, as a Reform convert looking deeper into things, I feel the same way and I don't know what to do, did you find an answer?
Nope, not yet. I haven't been inside a Reform Temple in many years. I still listen to friends and family and watch the occasional YT video sermon. I think, these days, I just call myself 'Jew'.
@@TheConfusedJew That's Sad, as for me I go to shul for the religion and to socialize. In other words, I take away the bits I want and throw away what I don't.
Don't let anyone force you out, instead, try to get what you need out of shul or what the Americans call "Temple"
@@yehudamccabi6437 That's about it. I went to shul yesterday for Shabbat services...I got what I needed and felt, and allowed others to pray as they liked. A good day indeed.
Why it is that we, Sephardics never had the need to come up with another Judaism?
@@eliedecastro5716 there are sephardi jews who are reform. Also your comment strikes me as suspect at a time Am Yisrael needs and has unity, why be so divisive?
He seems like a very sincere individual who wants the best religious traditions. Based on what I've seen on CZcams Rabbi Asher Meza and MidEast American are the two best Torah Rabbis. It's observant yet minimalist so closer to Reform since it lacks the extra rituals etc of Ultra Orthodox Judaism. Chumash plus Mishneh Torah and those two Rabbi's commentaries on CZcams and that should be a Jew's day to day observance.
To each their own! :)
Would love to hear an update! My dad is a Jew but I was raised Christian. I crave a relationship with G-d and am attending the only synagogue within 50 miles, a Reform temple. The people are lovely but it is very political.
OK, you've inspired me to make a follow up to this video. And it's been WAY too long....Look for it this week...
@@TheConfusedJew thank you!
We should learn to disagree without being disagreeable - Ralph David Abernathy
Smart guy...
I got tired of all the politics, mostly of an extreme liberal bent, that were shoved down my throat when I attended reform synagogues. At heart I am a reconstructionist, but that sect is also very involved in liberal politics. Some of my views could be considered liberal, but most are not. What I can't stand is having any sort of politics thrown at me in synagogue. I'm not going to claim that a rabbi should never touch politics, as politics are a thing that touches us whether we like it or not in modern society. But the liberal dogma that we are beaten over the head with makes synagogue rather unpleasant.
i'm with ya on that
I totally agree. I doubt it's gotten any better since I made the video. Then again, not sure they're looking for my advice... ;)
@@TheConfusedJew It used to be that rabbis respected the fine line between relating thousands of years of Jewish wisdom with the zeitgeist, and dinner table discussions. What has happened is an ideology, which happens to be far left, crept into rabbinical culture, particularly that of the Reform branch but also the much smaller Reconstructionist branch which my grandparents were heavily involved with. I watched as politics crept into the dynamics of the havurah my grandparents were involved with for almost forty years. It strained old friendships and it was painful. I loved my grandfather (RIP) but he was most definitely a man of the left and the politics he wove into the Haggadah and other homemade prayer books every year created a lot of contention. I recall the division between Bush and Gore voters, then Bush and Kerry, then Obama and McCain and Obama and Romney. It was a painful thing to see. I've always believed in Jewish unity and this means taking the politics away from the bima.
Goodness are you spot on. Many Reform temples are absolutely not welcoming to other viewpoints in my experience. It makes for Jews with nowhere to go...I don't want to be Orthodox...Yet Reform has become unrecognizable. I don't want a political lecture every single Shabbat service.
Signed,
Fairly moderate Republican who long since can't attend on a regular basis
Man i can relate with the political stuff one time a cantor mentioned our great man is running for the democratic or something. It completely threw me off on my religious mind that day. Than the cantor mentioned lGBT reprentatives was like man its too much. I want reform and conservative to be little less liberal nowadays and more focused on Torah. But the way times are going liberalism is at all time high today. In my area conservative and reform do things together friday or Saturday even learning online together. Weddings and conversions also happen in a Univision together. But thats fine i think unity is great but what I didn’t like is the more observant you want to be it gets looked down upon. Is times i dont want to see a camera, instruments and other things going on at services. I want old traditions if we live close walk if u really have to drive for those who have to. Thats just couple things that bug me with reform and consrvative. Some did tell me you look Israeli go become orthodox if you want.
Interesting. I am not Jewish, I grew up Episcopalian and journeyed through various spiritual stuff and consider myself PAGAN . However, last night I had dinner with a friend who grew up Catholic and is now converting to Reform Judaism. I have honestly been very fascinated by Judaism for various reasons (and I am currently struggling with "Faith and RELIGION of any kind right now). but I had a misconception about what Reform Judaism was. /believed. I asked them about the current elephant in the room and was surprised by their answer... and I realised I had stepped into it and struggled a lot with how to navigate this new thing. This friend has been really Liberal and I am Liberal and yet they took a very hard line view on the current issue and I was trying to figure out how to just settle back into the practice and spiritual aspect. I originally thought, oh, maybe I could attend a service with them, or maybe I will get to experience a Shabbat but now I am frought with the politics and feelings I feel about a political situation that I have strong feelings about. THis person is a very old friend and I certainly do not want to lose them over politics. So, this is something I will think on.
So there's no 'simple' answer on this topic. In terms of Reform, it's been traditional liberal. I walked away when it wanted me to support whatever political issue was being supported. I wanted to practice my faith on my own without the 'extra'. For the current situation, I'm finding that many of my liberal Jewish friends who championed various causes over the past few years have found those same causes have turned on them. It's been a wakeup call for many. Many of them feel abandoned. What's happening in the Reform world currently I believe is a real struggle for them politically. As for me, watch enough of my videos and you'll know exactly where I stand on the current issue. But, I've chosen not to make videos on it as that's not really where I want this channel to go. My advice, try to leave the politics of this alone, lest you may lose a good friend. Be safe! :)
Bless you, sir. I am consideribg conversion but this is a tough world in the Reform arena.
You convert to Judaism not to reform or to anything else Traditional Judaism practices by everyone until the 1800s
What's tough...the conversion process?
Hey, Lew, I’d like to ask you weather you think it would be a wise decision to make Aliyah as a non-jew. My maternal grandfather was jewish, but he didn’t marry a Jewish woman, so my mom was not born Jewish. However, although my mom never converted to Judaism, she was raised with huge proximity to Jewish culture and traditions, as literally her entire family, (cousins, uncles and aunts, grandparents, etc.) were Jews. Thus, she raised me in a way that made me develop great pride and consciousness in my Jewish heritage, to the point that I’m now 18 years old and cogitating converting and making Aliyah in the future. I have many relatives over there and I think it is a country where there is going to be more opportunities for me than here in Brazil, where I grew up. Also, I want to live among Jews and really get to experience the culture of my ancestors and my family. Do you think I should convert before making Aliyah or after? Wishing you and your family all the best from Brazil!!
Bruno, thanks for watching and posting! Ok, so first, I would never suggest that anyone converts to anything unless the absolutely believe it's something they need to do, for THEM. If you were going to stay in Brazil, would you still convert? If so, then yes, convert. Second, if you're considering making Aliyah, I'd suggest it be an Orthodox conversion...mainly because the Rabbinut runs most everything religiously in Israel. Weddings, bar/bat mitzvah's, burials, etc. If you convert as a Reform Jew, for example, you may run into issues like getting married. If you do an Orthodox conversion, no more issues. I'm sure there are Chabad's in Brazil, just do a google search. They're really nice, very respectful and we have asked for their help all over the world...you'll be welcome there. I wish you nothing but success!!! :)
@@TheConfusedJew the thing is, I don’t need to convert to make Aliyah, as the Law of Return allows for people with at least one Jewish grandparent to make it, which is my case. The reason why I would convert is because I want to be able to say I’m a Jew. I already feel like I’m part of the Jewish nation. My family is Jewish. Many of my relatives live in Israel. But whenever someone asks me if I’m Jewish I have to explain that my grandfather didn’t marry a Jewish woman and my mom wasn’t born Jewish and bla bla bla. I don’t like that. I want to say I’m Jewish. Period. That is the main reason I would convert.
@@brunogomes4524 then it sounds like you 'feel' it. As the video says, I'm a 'reform Jew'. I grew up not keeping kosher, not keeping shabbat, etc. My wife is observant. So, our household is strictly kosher. We observe shabbat and the holidays. We raised our kids this way. I have my 'man cave' and I watch my sports on Saturday. I also fast on Yom Kippur and Tisha B'av. If you're ready to learn all that and want to be part of the Tribe, C'mon! BUT, it's not easy. And you'll get challenged by friends and others. Stick to your beliefs. There's a reason you feel this way. I say, go for it! :)
@@TheConfusedJew Looks like I’ve answered myself on the second comment😂. Converting is what I wish to do :)
Very interesting. It is one thing to be passionate in the pursuit of justice. It is quite another to allow that passion to close one's mind to the righteousness of other points of view. The refusal to listen and carefully consider the views of others is simply arrogant, a failing that I, among others, may be guilty of.
I'd say we're all guilty of doing this, at least once in our lives. I've always tried to understand the other's point of view, but many times it's not so easy...
Yes, I converted to Jewish, Conservative, but I find I am not accepted in Reform or Conservative because I am not a liberal. I am accepted in Orthodox despite not being considered Jewish
the bigest problem that I see is that your feel that you have to "debate" when you debate there has to be a wronge side and a right side-- better to dialogue- you learn from each other and remain to only strive for peace- which is the only path to love and equality
Actually, I don't want to debate...I go there to pray and say hi to people. The way the Reform movement has been, everything is seen through the lens of politics. And when I don't support their views, a debate starts. So, I left.
@@TheConfusedJew thank you
Thank you
I hope you found the video interesting! :)
to my knowledge reform judaism is autonomous. i stick with reform because they go by either parent. i went to some conservative and orthodox schuls and they said i had to convert. it kind of messed with my identity some. i emailed someone from reform judaism headquarters and they told me if i was raised jewish i am jewish. i dont care for alot of the politics there either. it is almost if the agendas sabotage the message of the torah that is trying to be conveyed.
My issue was the convergence of politics with religion. Beyond that, believe what you want...live how you want. Peace.
That is SO sad... Hashem knows you are Jewish.
Wow! This simply popped up. I see it was 2 yrs ago. I'll look to see if there is a follow up covering these 2 yrs?? For sure as someone who is in no 'camp' but I definitely only watch video lessons from full practicing 'orthodox' Jewish Rabbis. I try not to use the word 'orthodox' because assuredly 50% or so of Jewish persons absolutely have a vile kneejerk reaction to that word or even to mention 'rabbi' causes the same reaction. When I do attend Shule I attend 'orthodox'. I take the challenges and my learning as it comes. I'm very un-orthodox in lifestyle. 'orthodox' I tend to say is simply 'traditional'. Now to your main topic. For sure especially the reform variations are exceptionally politically compromised. They have become fully politco-quasi-religious 'cults'. Best wishes for you. Thank you.
Thanks indeed for your comments! And I'm glad you found my video...hope it resonated a little?
Thanks
Not sure how I stumbled upon this, and you can take this with a grain of salt since it's been 2 yrs since this video was made. First off, I'm a Christian, so take it with a grain of salt but I see the same thing going on that goes on with churches. 1. You're growing as a human. If something doesn't seem right, you are allowed to question. If you are part of a church or a synagogue that doesn't allow you to question then that is called a cult and not a group where you can grow in your faith. 2. When an organization starts supporting things that you do not agree with, it's time to move on. I looked up the beliefs of the reformed church, and yeah. When your organization supports things you don't, especially things that are wrapped up in a pretty box but are actually empty, or concepts and ideas that are against what you believe or meant to be harmful, then , yeah, run don't walk. God never said you had to be loyal to a specific organization, religion etc. to serve him. If there is nothing left for them to talk about, if they shut down conversation, if you no longer feel welcome. Then go somewhere else. Also, this just shows that you as a human being is growing in what they believe in and their faith with God.
Absolutely agree. God is where you take him/her, not a building. I'm also finding the people I pray around can make a difference in the 'vibe', if that makes sense. Sometimes I prefer to be alone and other times I'd rather be around like-minded folks. Thanks for the comment! :)
I watched most of your videos. And I'm glad to belong to a much more observant Reform synagogue (though virtually for now.) I think it depends on the shul. In our synagogue there are a majority of observant Jews. At one time, at the end of Pesach, my Rabbi was supposed to serve matzah on the 8th day, but was reminded to serve challah instead due to most are observants. Most born jews that I talked to, does not talk of any denominations. When asked, they said "Just jew" but do not agree if Called secular hehe
I hear ya. My issue was the politics, more than the observance. I didn't like being put in a corner where I had to have certain political views to join the group.
@@TheConfusedJew I agree with you, Politics is a pain to talk about specially in religious circles.
The question you ask can't really be answered without having more information about what particular disagreements you have. Most political disagreements can be overlooked within a congregation - even in a Reform congregation. I'm a Reform Jew as well, and I know my politics are much further to the left than most of the folks I go to services with. But it just doesn't com up as an issue for any of us. Members of the congregation often send out emails about how they're going to this rally or that protest, but I have never felt like I *have* to participate in these actions in order to belong to my congregation.
But there are some political disagreements that would make it difficult for folks to feel the shared connection that makes joining a congregation so special. If someone is personally not comfortable with homosexuality, that's fine - I can agree to disagree with them. But if someone wants to take political action that would deprive gay people of sharing in the same rights that the rest of us enjoy, then that's a problem for me. If you're bothered by how the government spends money on social services, or how much the government spends, that's cool. But if you don't think the government should spend any money at all helping the poor and the disadvantaged, then I would struggle to understand how you can have a relationship with the God who commanded us to remember the widow, orphan, and stranger.
I don't know what your views are, and I don't make any judgements about what you believe and whether it's good or bad, because I don't actually know you. But I don't think it's unreasonable to say that some types of political disagreements can bleed over into religious incompatibility.
Fair points. Interestingly, I've had many comments on this video. Many seem to agree with me in terms of the politics bleeding into the pulpit. We can always agree to disagree...no worries. It's when someone says 'to be a good Jew, you have to follow this political point of view' is where I get off the train.
@@TheConfusedJew Agree totally. What I see as a potential issue with this is that, at least in America, some things that are honestly not political at all seem to have somehow become political issues. Like being required to take a vaccine during the worst pandemic in the last century - this is not a political matter, because it's a science matter. If the people who have spent the last forty years of their lives researching diseases and vaccines say that we need at least 90% of Americans to get a shot in order to stop the spread of a deadly disease, you don't get to disagree with them unless you have spent the last FIFTY years doing nothing but researching diseases and vaccines. Your religion doesn't exempt you from following public health mandates and getting the shot. Or abortion - which is also not a political matter because it's a medical matter. Or if the government has a right to outlaw gay marriages - the government doesn't, because it isn't the government's business what consenting adults choose to do with their lives. If your church/synagogue/mosque doesn't recognize gay marriages, that's totally fine by me, but the government needs to mind its own business.
I guess what I'm trying to say is that I agree with you that politics don't belong in religion, but at the same time people need to do a better job of distinguishing what is a political matter and what isn't. Or maybe it's that people need to stop trying to turn any religious views into political views - if your religion doesn't allow abortion, that's your business, but that isn't what my religion says, so you go follow your religion and let me go follow mine (not you personally, of course!)
So true
Thanks!
I walked away from conservative for same reason. I would rather attend orthodox services.
Well, where I live, there are several orthodox shuls both Ashkenazi and Sephardic, so I'm trying them these days. I think it's more about the people I'm with then the service. But, that's just me...
Very true
Thanks!
I left the Conservative movement for similar reasons.
Not all Jews are JewISH. My mther made me a Jew but I have to make myself JewISH. I am a Jew whi is striving to be JewISH. I may not reach my goal but my purpose is to strive to become JewISH.
Hey, you do you! :)
Exactly
Yep
I guess it depends on the individual Temple. Mine has a fair number of conservative(Republican)and apolitical Jews. Granted, it’s probably 70/30, with them being in the minority. But they are definitely there and do dissent at times. But things usually don’t get political.
73% of all American Jews voted for Joe Biden, and 70% of American Jews either vote Democrat or lean Democrat, so it does make sense that a lot of the Reform Jews would be of that persuasion.
But I think the URJ is a lot more political than most Temples are. My Temple even works with evangelical Churches on charity projects, long before even the pandemic. They also work with Muslim groups, atheists and so forth. It’s a very tolerant Temple. We even share a Jewish daycare with the conservative synagogue.
Y’all should look up Rabbi Yonatan Havlevi in San Diego, Ca I think
Thanks...I'll check it out!
I really admire your sansarty sincerity and the way you are so honest with yourself,
I want to ask you and decent with you thought about why is being a Jew the way YOU want a value for you? Maybe if God created you he wants you to serve him the way HE wants? And that would be a value because you value God's plan and mission for you over your comfortability.
This is not a realistic situation cuz how can this be?
But if it did I would need to check who is lying.
That's an interesting take indeed. Sometimes we can't see signs in front of us, but I suppose that's one of life's challenges. I really appreciate your comments! :)
@@TheConfusedJew what do you mean by signs?
@@yosefchaimkahn little things that pop up in your life appearing to send you in one direction or another...
@The Confused Jew so you are waiting for something to pop up and send you in a particular direction? How about taking the initiative to check out what makes more sense to you?
Sorry for pushing my nose into your business 🫣
let's see orthodox / reform issue from another angle
if on the one hand orthodox Judaism is stranded somewhere in the past & find itself misfit in the modern world.
on the otherhand Reform movement is itself in a fix,
how to reform Judaism, how to separate genuine & relevant laws of Torah from rituals, traditions & opinions of this & that.
In rabbinic Judaism whatever the rabbi say is the final authority, that's the oral law, that's the authority above the scripture.
personally I myself think that reform is long overdue but the million dollar question is who has the authority or who is fit to do this?
Well that is indeed the million dollar question....who's authority is THE authority? The current Israeli government is trying to answer that now. Be well.
Just curious: how did you become a reform Jew?
How I was raised. My parents grew up a bit more observant and their parents were more observant than they were. Over time, generations start to lose interest in the rules/traditions and Reform is a landing place. So, we grew up Reform. It's not how we raise our daughters, but who knows what path they'll choose? Be well :)
I guess it depends. You haven't said that you're prohibited from davening. I have huge issues with Orthodoxy but I still daven there sometimes. Our religion tells us it is what we do more than what we believe that's important . Now, tikkun olam is why we're here. To make this lower world suitable for His essence. Surely that is political? The issue is, does what you DO progress towards that goal? Individual Jews may, or may not agree with your feelings, but unless you are Chassidic, where what the Rebbe says goes, full stop, there'll always be a moral conversation where you decide which organisation meets your needs best. I am quite Orthodox, but the way women and the LGBTQIA community are viewed means I have issues allying myself with Orthodoxy. I think that Liberal Judaism can be seen to be throwing the baby out with the bath water. You aren't alone being confused, you have to choose the best fit. Heck, I.was converted through the RSGB so the Orthodox wouldn't even accept that I'm Jewish! It was far easier for Ruth 😉 shkoyach!
Great points indeed! :)
Honestly all you need to do is abandon the notion of Jewish denominations, I'm a Sephardi Jew and for us we are all Jews (in accordance to Halachic definition), whether you are observant or not.
I appreciate the comment. My family has started to ask me if I should drop the denomination as well...we'll see...
It is not about how you feel 🤦🏻♂️ Who cares? What matters is what the Torah says What G’d wants from you. I feel different things everyday Who cares !
Nope I disagree. It 100% matters how you feel. If you don't connect with it, why go?
This was always predictable. You do not need to be an observant to be a good Jew, but you do need to be observant not to change the trajectory of Judaism with hedonistic values. It’s the Gd of Israel not the Gd of cross sectional feminism. There will always be a seat open for you at Chabad. Wishing you success.
The great thing about Chabad is their non-judgemental nature. Anywhere in the world I've gone and found Chabad, I've been welcomed with open arms. Great people. I consider some of them good friends. And have never been openly judged. Thanks for the comment.
I no longer believe in G-D, I’m traditional Jew, my JUDAISM brings meaning to me, but I no longer believe in G-D thus im an humanistic observant Jew
You do you. There's plenty of room in the boat. :)
Only Jesus can reform the souls of jews. If they don't trust Jesus, their souls won't be reformed in line with heaven!
Maybe you shouldn't worry about fitting into the Reform movement, and instead try to fit into your wife and kids Judaism.
Family should come first, no?
So I wasn't as much worried about 'fitting in'...I was complaining that the movement no longer seemed like a place I was comfortable. From the comments I've been getting, seems like I'm not alone. Thanks for the comment! :)
Enough of the hands. Lol
The reason you're confused is you do not know where Judaism began and what Judaism says. The Chabad Rebbe said that the evils of reform would create confused Jews that feel fooled by their reform rabbis which is what your channel demonstrates. Maybe study actual Judaism to relieve your confusion.
So, you have zero idea why I'm confused. I know who the Chabad Rebbe is as I've been to not only 770 by to the Ohel as well. In terms of 'actual' Judaism, it's in the mind of the beholder. Show me an orthodox Jew and I'll show you someone further to the right saying their doing it wrong. My calling it the confused jew was a marketing idea to connect with folks feeling the same way and looking for answers. It's worked. If you want good old fashioned religion, torah, or talmud, I'm sure those are online. You do you. Peace.
@@TheConfusedJew so you are confused if you're confused? Maybe explain what you're confused about so people can explain things to you.
Consider MESSIANIC Judaism
No, you are a Jew who attends a reform(ed) congregation or identifies with Reform Judaism tenets.
So there's an issue with the way you frame this video. You're assuming that religions are not inherently political. By their nature religion's must advocate political prescriptions.
There's a great value in descent. That said certain types of descent must not only be not tolerated but we must be actively intolerant towards. This is called the tolerance paradox.
No descent which says slavery is good should not be tolerated.
No descent which says gay people don't deserve equal rights should not be tolerated.
What I find particularly interesting is how you don't actually state what it is exactly that you disagree with them on.
Your Rabbi was wrong for not saying "if you don't support and love these members of our congregation then get out."
There can be no truce with evil.
What you call "certain types of dissent" aren't dissent they're prejudice and yeah that should be fought against.
That has nothing to do with the politicization of religion, in my mind religion and politics are separate. How I pray and observe has nothing really to with a candidate I back at a given time, I mean my actions are driven by Jewish tenants, though I don't feel Reform Judaism should be telling me what causes to back when I can decide for myself.
@@yehudamccabi6437 "How I pray and observe has nothing really to do with a candidate I back." belief informs thought, thought informs action, action informs belief. "I mean my actions are driven by Jewish tenants," is a direct admission of this fact. What you believe those tenants to (if you are rational which I assume you are) will directly impact the candidate you vote for.
Let's say Reformed Judaism was around during the civil war. Practically speaking what you said translates as 'I do not feel Reformed Judaism should be telling me to back abolition of slavery.'. You feel that Reformed Judaism shouldn't draw moral lines in the sand. Why do you feel that way? Does feeling that way make it correct?
If your actions are driven by the tenants of your religion as you yourself have admitted they are, then talking about the "politicization of religion" is a contradiction. Religious belief directly effects political action (ie such as who you vote or do not vote for).
@@alananimus9145 I feel Reform Judaism should leave it up to the individual Jew where to draw said line.
There are many issues of contention in modern Jewish life, but should I feel pushed out of an entire denomination because of the position I take on a single issue? No.
As for why not, simply because of all the good Reform Judaism and its outlook and flexibility has brought to me, why should I give that up for not "towing the line"
I mean for goodness sake Reform Judaism takes its name from the protestant reformation as it was felt a radical change was needed in Judaism too.
What was the point in that reformation then if we allow ourselves to become just as dogmatic? The whole point of the Reformation in Judaism via haskalah was to allow a person to think for one's self, not have dogma dictate.
Reform Judaism should leave issues up to the individual as opposed to drawing lines for its members. To do so is an insult to the principle of free thought.
@@yehudamccabi6437 Let's provide a practical example. Should Reformed Judaism leave the question of "Should slavery be tolerated?" up to it's individual members?
Being a member of a community means sharing fundamental core values. The whole point of Reformed Judaism is tolerance. This means embracing the dogma of the Tolerance Paradox. Tolerance cannot tolerate intolerance or it will be destroyed.
My issue specifically here is that you are rather vague as to where exactly your disagreement is. Should you feel pushed out because of a single position you take? Maybe. It depends on the position. If someone was say pro-slavery, then yes they should feel and be pushed out. If the position you have taken is one of intolerance then yes you should feel pushed out. Is your position one of intolerance? I have no idea because you are not actually saying what your contentions are.
There is a tension between allowing members of a group space to grow and learn and excluding individuals who would seek to undermine or subvert the integrity of a community.
Here are two simple questions that are related. What is your contention? What would change your mind? If someone operates from those two questions as their starting point then they are acting in good faith. If not then not.
You have posed the proposition as if you are being excluded by the community. What if however it's the other way around? What if you are the one excluding yourself from the community because you hold a position contrary to it's core value (tolerance)?
@@alananimus9145 my contention is there is a significant proportion of Reform Jews that say "you must tow our line on say, Israel, or your not part of Reform Judaism"
In English politics, there are shades of left and shades of right we don't have a 2 party system, rather 3 main ones and lots of small ones (thank God), meaning everyone gets a voice and nobodies crammed into a group they shouldn't be in.
E.G I'm a political liberal, so I vote lib dem and not socialist, however in the U.S I'd have to vote for something I'd perhaps didn't want.
So that's a problem British Reform doesn't have and can be, to an extent a big tent. Everybody's welcome, as long as they're civil.
Now, what I've noticed is, as I've said a proportion that wants to swing the movement to their position and make it more closed off less of a big tent.
For me, Reform Judaism isn't about being politically active, it's about observing holidays and going to shul when my health allows. As for my politics, some people in my community think I'm right, others wrong but should I be pushed out of a religion for that?
I mean I'm being vague as I don't want to wash dirty linen in public, and bring up a lot of personal stuff too, but, think on that.