Temple Beth Am/ Temple Sinai

Transcription

1 Reform Judaism Reconstructionism Temple Beth Am/ Temple Sinai

2 REFORM JUDAISM HISTORY Founded in Germany in the early 1800s The 1st Jewish response to Enlightenment Key figures: Abraham Geiger ( ) Isaac Mayer Wise ( ) Stephen S. Wise ( ) The largest Jewish Denomination with 1.5 million members, 900 synagogues

3 REFORM JEWISH BELIEFS Belief in God as defined in the Shema. Belief that the Torah was written by human hands, in the language of its time, with divine inspiration. Belief in the rationality of humanity. Belief that the process of reinterpretation of the Torah to the language of today is ongoing, and that every Jew has a stake and a role in that restatement and extension.

4 REFORM JEWISH BELIEFS Belief in egalitarianism (equal treatment of the sexes) wherever possible. Belief in the strong moral and social action commitment inherent in the Torah and embodied in the concept of Tikkun Olam, rebuilding the world.

5 REFORM JEWISH AGENCIES Union of Reform Judaism (URJ) Hebrew Union College (HUC) Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR) Religious Action Center (RAC) North American Federation of Jewish Teens (NFTY)

6 RECONSTRUCTIONIST HISTORY Founded by Mordecai Kaplan in the 1920s First Jewish denomination formed in US Rabbinical school started in 1968 Currently 109 synagogues and approximately 40,000 members Influence in American Judaism much greater than size

7 RECONSTRUCTIONIST BELIEFS Judaism is more than a religion; it is an evolving religious civilization. Judaism is the creation of the Jewish people themselves, not of God. Jewish law is not the sole decision maker: i.e. the past "has a vote, not a veto. A belief in a non-supernatural deity: God is the process that leads to salvation

8 RECONSTRUCTIONIST BELIEFS The driving force behind Judaism is belonging rather than believing. Judaism and working for social justice are inseparable. The State of Israel is vital to Jewish cultural and spiritual survival.

9 RECONSTRUCTIONIST AGENCIES Jewish Reconstructionist Federation (JRF)* Reconstructionist Rabbinical School (RRC)* Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association (RRA) Camp JRF/No ar Chadash * JRF and RRC are currently in the process of merging.

10 In the rush and bustle of modern life, Temple Beth Am provides something special...a warm and loving place, for young through retirees, for families, couples and singles, and newcomers of all ages to make connections, to touch the spirit, to celebrate the sacred moments in our lives. Reaching out to shape the world, reaching in to support each other. In all the different configurations in which Jewish families come today, here, we share a strong sense of community, spirituality and common purpose. FOUNDED IN 1955 OVER 500 CONGREGANTS A MEMBER OF URJ PRAYER BOOK: MISHKAN T FILAH

11 In 1952, a few founding families sought to bring a new type of Judaism to the Buffalo area. One that was authentically Jewish, but also unafraid to challenge tradition. They were attracted to the writings of Rabbi Mordecai Kaplan. Now over a half century later, Temple Sinai continues to a vibrant center of Reconstructionist Judaism in Western New York. Our membership believes strongly in egalitarianism and in promoting religious tradition, as well as creativity in worship and Jewish life. FIRST SUBURBAN CONGREGATION 150+ MEMBERSHIP PRAYER BOOK: KOL HANESHAMAH/MA AMAD SINAI

12 Key Differences Reform Judaism values individual autonomy/ Reconstructionism values communal decision making Reform Judaism is the largest of the major US denominations/ Reconstructionism is the smallest Reform Judaism uses more traditional God language/ Reconstructionism uses a more traditional prayer style

13 Reform Judaism Temple Beth Am Post Halachic Egalitarian Warm & Welcoming Values Creativity Loves Singing Loves Israel Loves Judaism Reconstructionism Temple Sinai Post Halachic Egalitarian Warm & Welcoming Values Creativity Loves Singing Loves Israel Loves Judaism