13. What does Reform Judaism have to say about the world beyond the synagogue?
Reform Judaism began in Germany at the beginning of the nineteenth century and quickly spread,
particularly to the United States. From its very beginnings Reform Judaism derived real passion
from the prophetic books of the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible) which lay such emphasis on creating
a just and fair society, on concern for the weak and underprivileged in the community and
on a vision of a world of harmony and peace.
We are Jews who do not seek to live separately from others but who wish to live as Jews both
wholly and holy within society. We believe that no Jew, no synagogue, no Jewish school,
no Jewish institution is true to their Jewishness unless they work for the betterment of
society and for greater understanding between faiths and ethnic groups.
We take very seriously the injunction tzedek, tzedek tirdof, justice, justice shall
you pursue and understand that it means justice for others at least as much as for our self.
Acknowledgement: ‘What is Reform Judaism' by Rabbi Tony Bayfield.
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13. What does Reform Judaism have to say about the world beyond the synagogue?
Reform Judaism began in Germany at the beginning of the nineteenth century and quickly spread,
particularly to the United States. From its very beginnings Reform Judaism derived real passion
from the prophetic books of the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible) which lay such emphasis on creating
a just and fair society, on concern for the weak and underprivileged in the community and
on a vision of a world of harmony and peace.
