Reform Judaism

[Bulldog]

Can somone explain the diffference between Reform Judaism and Orthodox or Messianic Judaism?

I heard some pretty strange things about them. Are they viewed as "heretics" in the Juduaic world?

 

[iitb]

Check out the FAQ at the top of this forum.

 

[Bulldog]

Thanks.

 

[Hix]

Reform Judaism started in the 1800s due to the increasing anti-semitism in Germany, a number of Jews there decided to trade religious identity to try and "fit in" if you will. Shul was transformed into a completely church like experience, with organs and choirs, mixed seating etc. All religious garb or any clothes that might have identified one as a Jew were also cast aside. It was a gamble and the gamble ultimately failed, as we know from the holocaust.

Modern day reform judaism is in the same mold, they seem to disregard mitzvot just for the sake of being obnoxious. It wasnt too many months ago Reform announced that gentiles could be burried in their Jewish graves, something that has never happened before. Basically they hold to seperation of church and state, but I often see that as an excuse, Im proud to identify as a Jew, I see no reason to hide it or be ashamed. Most reform (though ive heard there are whats known as neo-reform which is basically conservative) dont take the Talmud as authoritive, and believe that the Torah isnt binding on us today (how convenient). Simply put the Reform Jews have lost their sence of Jewish identity, modern day figures show that a whopping 70% of reform Jews marry non-jews and go on to have non-jewish grandchildren. Possibly even more shocking is the 50% figure for the Conservative Jews If it werent for Reform Judaism being the only sect involved in actively seeking converts (and even then it isnt popular) within a few generations it is suspected that the only forms of Judaism will be Orthodox and of cource Messianic.

Oh and one more thing, you will of ten hear touted that Reform Judaism is the largest sect in Judaism. I believe it isnt. The largest is conservative Judaism becuase alot of Secular Jews who are not religious identify with the reform movement for conveince. This is becuase it really is the most liberal of all Judaism, indeed in the UK we have a seperate group called "Liberal Judaism" which is actually less liberal than the reform!

Shalom and G-d bless
~Hix~