Kol Chai’s 9 Reasons for being a Reform Jew

50 people listened to Rabbi Laura Janner-Klausner and Rabbi Dr Jonathan Romain at Kol Chai Hatch End Reform Community on Remembrance Sunday, as they delivered a dynamic talk and debate entitled: ‘9 reasons for being a Reform Jew – and one reason for not’.

Peter Gartenberg, who organised the event said: “Kol Chai was privileged to be the first London community to debate with these two passionate exponents of Reform Judaism before the Roadshow continues around the country”.

Some of the ‘9 reasons’ included the patrilineal/matrilineal question relating to Jewish status, inclusivity (whether mixed-faith relationships or gender), female involvement and equality.

Kol Chai’s Rabbi Naomi concluded: “Reform synagogues like ours are expanding because of our mix of tradition and change, our inclusive approach and our sensible attitude to modern dilemmas and challenges”.