Breaking News: The Statement of Principles has been adopted by CCAR on May 26, 1999. The online discussion is still ongoing,
Background
This past year the Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR) has been drafting a statement which will give guidance as to what the Reform movement stands for.
Their TEN PRINCIPLES FOR REFORM JUDAISM is expected to take its place along with the other statements and platforms of the Reform movement adopted from 1885 to 1997. However, the actions of CCAR have stirred up a lot of controversy as witnessed by these recent articles:
Cohen, Debra Nussbaum and Leslie Katz, " Reform platform stirs heated debate over observance," Northern California Jewish Bulletin, January 8,1999
Katz, Leslie, "Local rabbis give mixed reviews to 'Ten Principles,'" Northern California Jewish Bulletin, January 8,1999
Bluethread believes that CCAR's action is timely and courageous, and that they have provided a good point of departure for consideration of the issues. To make best use of this opportunity, Bluethread is encouraging discussion by all interested Reform Jews.
One of the reasons Bluethread was formed was that the editors felt that the Reform movement threw the baby out with the bathwater when it was founded and that the founders acted out of both good and bad reasons.But we also believe that there is no getting that baby back without regressing into Orthodox philosophy and practice. Nevertheless, it is legitimate for Reform Jews to become interested in mitzvot and observance, but in doing so we must move forward, not back, in time.
Central Conference of American Rabbis
Preamble: Who Are We Reform Jews?
Bluethread: Is this platform mandatating behavior or does it open up options?WITH GOD
1. Created by the Holy One, We Are Seekers After God
Bluethread: We see God in many different ways.2. We Are Open to Ongoing Revelation in Every Age
Bluethread: The essence of Reform.3. Redeemed from Egypt, We Seek to Help Repair the World
Bluethread: What is tikun olam? What is justice?WITH TORAH
4. We Are Committed to Serious Lifelong Learning and to Actions that Flow From It
Bluethread: Amen!5. We Respond to Mitzvot of Shabbat and the Seasons
Bluethread: Light a candle.6. We Are Open to Expanding the Mitzvot of Reform Jewish Practice
Bluethread: Let us make sure they are Reform mitzvot.WITH ISRAEL, PEOPLE AND LAND
7. Members of a Holy People, We Reach Out to Every Jew
Bluethread: Including every Jew in Israel.8. We Seek to Transform a Holy Land
Bluethread: What place does Israel have in our identity?9. We Are Heirs to a Holy Tongue
Bluethread: Is Hebrew really holy?10. We Are Committed to the Equality of All Created by God
Bluethread: Let us hold on to this commitment.
Ten
Principles copyright © 1998, Central Conference of
American Rabbis
Most recent update 11 Dec 1998
5/28/99
Bluethread ©Rosemarie E. Falanga, Cy H. Silver
Count: 1/21/1999-