Temple Israel is a proud founding member of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations (UAHC), now known as the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ). We take great pride in following the pillars of Reform Judaism in all that we do.
Most of Temple Israel’s rabbis have been graduates of the only Reform seminary in the United States—Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion—and are members of the Central Conference of American Rabbis, a Reform Jewish organization of rabbis worldwide.
More than one million Americans and Canadians are affiliated with Reform congregations, making Reform Judaism the largest Jewish denomination in North America.
The United States has about as many Jewish citizens as Israel. However, Reform Jews make up only a small presence in Israel.
Our Faith
Reform Judaism maintains faith in the Covenant between God and Israel as expressed over the generations in the teachings of an ever-evolving Torah and tradition. Stirred by the mandate of tikkun olam, Reform Judaism seeks to be the living expression of those teachings. It welcomes all who seek Jewish connection to pursue a life of meaning as inspired by the Divine and proclaimed in the truths grasped by Jewish teachers throughout time.
In Community
In sacred attachment to the Jewish people and with connection to the State of Israel, Reform Jews, as members of a group and as individuals, in holy congregations and in diverse settings, strive to make thoughtful choices about how we put our values into action. Reform Judaism asks us to seek the holiness that is present throughout creation through reflection, critical study, and sacred acts so as to renew our living Covenant with God, the people Israel, humankind, and the earth.
With Leadership
The organizations of the Reform Movement exist for the purpose of bringing the teachings of Judaism to the world. In partnership with one another, these organizations hope to realize the many lessons contained in those teachings by nurturing individual Jews, by sustaining congregations and groups that foster authentic and innovative community, and by shaping a shared destiny for Reform Jews with fellow Jews in Israel and around the world.
[from URJ.org]