An exploration of Reform Judaism at JW3

Rabbi Dr Jonathan Romain and Rabbi Laura Janner-Klausner led a discussion on Reform Judaism at JW3 on 21 March.

‘Nine Reasons for Being Reform and One Reason for Not’ was an opportunity for Reform members to bring friends who are not themselves members but might be interested in exploring what Reform Judaism means with two leading exponents of Reform Judaism, with whom they could argue, question and find out what Reform Judaism can offer them.

Rabbi Laura Janner-Klausner stressed Reform Judaism’s uncompromising commitment to equality: “I moved from Orthodoxy to Reform when I was twelve because I loved ‘the Jewish’. I saw men and women sitting together as complete equals”.

Rabbi Dr Jonathan Romain noted that in particular “we should shout from the rooftops” celebrating Reform Judaism’s open and compassionate attitude to conversion. “What better compliment than if people want to convert? That’s our attitude”.

Rabbi Laura Janner-Klausner closed the event noting that “The only constant about Judaism is change”.

Nine Reasons for Being Reform and One Reason for Not

1.Honesty in prayer
2.Doing death well
3.Gender equality
4.Open attitudes to conversion
5.Values-based halachah.
6.Positive attitude to mixed-faith couples.
7.Informed personal choice.
8.Inclusive approaches to inherited status
9.LGBT equality

The reason for not is that Reform conversions are not recognised by Orthodox authorities.