Central Conference of American Rabbis
Sixth: We Are Open to Expanding the Mitzvot of Reform
Jewish Practice
We seek to create positive
Jewish homes where we and our children may practice a
variety of religious acts which will reinforce the variety
of values we espouse. Thus we commit ourselves to the
mitzvot that have long been hallmarks of Reform
Judaism, and we may feel called to other mitzvot new
to Reform Jewish observance. As part of Reform Judaism's
classic commitment to ongoing revelation, we know that
beliefs and practices which may seem outdated in one age may
be redemptive in another. We may build a shelter on Sukkot
and a shelter for the homeless; we may open our hearts to
love our neighbor as ourselves and we may open our homes to
welcome holiday guests; we may seek to put into our mouths
the foods that match our religious and societal commitments
and we may seek to keep from our mouths any words of cruelty
or gossip; we may cover our challah in the presence of
Shabbat and we may cover our heads in the presence of God.
We may discover rituals now unknown, which in the spirit of
Jewish tradition and Reform innovation will bring us closer
to God, to Torah, to our families, and to our people.
Bluethread responds:
When CCAR uses the word "mitzvot" we wonder if they are implying mitzvot as enumerated and interpreted by Orthodox practice. The spirit and history of Reform requires us to take a new, fresh look at mitzvot. We must unearth a definition and understanding of mitzvot which is clear and relevant to us as Reform Jews, not regress to interpretations which have become encrusted with centuries of barnacles.
As we state on our home page, Bluethread is committed to the individual and group exploration of what mitzvot mean to a Reform Jew. We see mitzvot as more than just a path to identity -- it is our own unique meditative practice. To be Observant Reform should not be considered an oxymoron. Discovering the central core of practice that may reunite the different streams of Judaism will take work on both sides, however, and we should not sacrifice our unique Reform perspective along the way.
also check out Bluethread Droshes on Mitzvot.
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3/18/99
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Principles copyright © 1998, Central Conference of
American Rabbis
Most recent update 11 Dec 1998
Bluethread ©Rosemarie E. Falanga, Cy H. Silver