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- What is Reform Judaism?
Throughout history, Jews have remained firmly rooted in Jewish tradition, even as we learned much from our encounters with other cultures. Nevertheless, since its earliest days, Reform Judaism has asserted that a Judaism frozen in time is an heirloom, not a living fountain. The great contribution of Reform Judaism is that it has enabled the Jewish people to introduce innovation while preserving tradition, to embrace diversity while asserting commonality, to affirm beliefs without rejecting those who doubt, and to bring faith to sacred texts without sacrificing critical scholarship.
Reform Judaism affirms the central tenets of Judaism - God, Torah and Israel - even as it acknowledges the diversity of Reform Jewish beliefs and practices. We believe that all human beings are created in the image of God, and that we are God's partners in improving the world. Tikkun olam ? repairing the world ? is a hallmark of Reform Judaism as we strive to bring peace, freedom, and justice to all people.
Reform Jews accept the Torah as the foundation of Jewish life containing God's ongoing revelation to our people and the record of our people's ongoing relationship with God. We see the Torah as God inspired, a living document that enables us to confront the timeless and timely challenges of our everyday lives.
In addition to our belief that Judaism must change and adapt to the needs of the day to survive and our firm commitment to Tikkun Olam, the following principles distinguish Reform Jews from other streams of Judaism in North America.
Reform Jews are committed to the principle of inclusion, not exclusion. Since 1978 the Reform Movement has been reaching out to Jews-by-choice and interfaith families, encouraging them to embrace Judaism. Reform Jews consider children to be Jewish if they are the child of a Jewish father or mother, so long as the child is raised as a Jew.
Reform Jews are committed to the absolute equality of women in all areas of Jewish life. We were the first movement to ordain women rabbis, invest women cantors, and elect women presidents of our synagogues.
Reform Jews are also committed to the full participation of gays and lesbians in synagogue life as well as society at large.
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- What are the service times?
Our service times vary during the summer months.
From June 13,2008-September 26,2008 services are as followed:
6:00pm-Yahrzeit Service (A brief service of commermoration, especially for those who are observing a yahrzeit that week. We kindle a light and share stories and memories of our loved ones. It is scheduled so that you can attend services afterwards.)
6:00pm-Oneg (Literally translated, as "sweet Sabbath," the Oneg Shabbat is a reception sponsored by the Women of Reform Judaism (WRJ) or by those who are celebrating a simchah. It features sweets, fruit, and cheese along with coffee and sodas, and takes place immediately following the Friday evening service, except during the summer months when it is held beforehand.)
6:30pm-Shabbat Service(The Temple offers many different styles of worship services for Shabbat)
Winter Service Hours:
7:00pm-Yahrzeit Service
7:30pm-Shabbat Service
8:30pm-Oneg Shabbat
Saturday Shabbat Services are always at 10:30am.
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- Can I come to Temple services if I am not a member?
Our services our open to others, except during the High Holy Days. (Check our Holidays page for dates). Please contact one of the Rabbis if you are new to our congregation.
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- How do I dress for Temple services?
Dressing for services can be in suit and tie for men and slacks or skirts for women. Casual dressy is fine too.
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