Reform

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Pronunciations

Reform (re-FORM) listen

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Definitions

  • n. A Jewish movement that is now the largest in the United States, founded on principles of the Haskalah, which rejected the binding nature of the law and attempted to concentrate on the prophetic message.

Example Sentences

  • "In this town we have the shul (Conservative Synagogue) and the Temple (Reform Synagogue). Over here, at the Temple, we keep eco-kosher rather than traditional kosher."

  • "I went to a Reform synagogue as a child."

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Languages of Origin

  • English

Who Uses This

  • Jews: Jews of diverse religious backgrounds and organizational involvements
  • Non-Jews: (words that have spread outside of Jewish networks)

Regions

  • North America
  • Australia / New Zealand
  • South Africa

Dictionaries

  • The JPS Dictionary of Jewish Words, by Joyce Eisenberg and Ellen Scolnic, (Philadelphia, 2001).
  • Dictionary of Jewish Usage: A Popular Guide to the Use of Jewish Terms, by Sol Steinmetz (Lanham, MD, 2005).

Alternative Spellings

Reform Judaism, Reform movement

Notes

  • The Reform Movement is most recently known for its focus on Tikkun Olam (social justice) and ease of access but is accused of more traditional Jewish movements as lacking in content. It does not pray for a rebuilding of the Temple. In recent decades, it has adopted the unofficial motto of "informed choice".

    Common uses: Reform temple, Reform movement, Reform Jews. Sometimes referred to as "Reformed," a use many Reform leaders disapprove of.

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