Click here to download a PDF of Reform Judaism in 1000 words: Simchat Torah Context Early Reformers frowned upon excessive kissing, bowing, sometimes even the parading of the Torah as somewhat idolatrous. But Simchat Torah has become a joyous celebration for…
Click here to download a PDF of Reform Judaism in 1000 words: Sukkot Context As one of the three Temple oriented Pilgrim Festivals, Sukkot has traditionally been deeply connected to the Temple and to the produce of the land.…
Click here to download a PDF of Reform Judaism in 1000 words: Yom Kippur Context The confessional is not a part of Jewish life. Although we may constantly strive to change and improve, we dedicate a chunk of the year…
Click here to download a PDF of Reform Judaism in 1000 words: Rosh Hashanah Context Rosh Hashanah is one of 4 New Years in the Jewish calendar, and certainly the most popular! As Rabbi Laura Janner-Klausner, Senior Rabbi to Reform…
Click here to download a PDF of Reform Judaism in 1000 Words: Brit Milah Context Circumcision regularly appears in secular discourse as an example of a problematic religious practice. Those viewing Judaism from outside – and, indeed, many within –…
Click here to download a PDF of Reform Judaism in 1000 Words: Tisha B’Av Context For many years, the fast of Tisha B’Av was not marked, and was barely even discussed, in Reform Judaism. In the last 2 or 3…
Click here to download a PDF of Reform Judaism in 1000 Words: Shavuot Context Celebrating the giving of Torah to Moses at Mount Sinai may not sound like the most Reform friendly festival of the year, and across the Jewish…
Click here to download a PDF of Reform Judaism in 1000 Words: The Messianic Age and Redemption Context What does it mean to speak about redemption, the Messiah or a Messianic Age in the context of Reform Judaism? The early Reformers…
Click here to download a PDF of Reform Judaism in 1000 Words: Pesach Context Pesach is one of the most well-known of our festivals. It holds memories of childhood sedarim; festival meals that use symbolic foods and readings to…
Click here to download a PDF of Reform Judaism in 1000 Words: Purim Context Purim is the festival that is most frequently depicted in documentaries about Jews, because it is one of the few festivals when filming is permitted, and…