In view of the changes that have taken
place in the modern world and the consequent need of stating anew the
teachings of Reform Judaism, the Central Conference of American Rabbis
makes the following declaration of principles. It presents them not as
a fixed creed but as a guide for the progressive elements of Jewry.
A. Judaism and its Foundations
1. Nature of Judaism. Judaism
is the historical religious experience of the Jewish people. Though growing
out of Jewish life, its message is universal, aiming at the union and
perfection of mankind under the sovereignty of God. Reform Judaism recognizes
the principle of progressive development in religion and consciously applies
this principle to spiritual as well as to cultural and social life. Judaism
welcomes all truth, whether written in the pages of scripture or deciphered
from the records of nature. The new discoveries of science, while replacing
the older scientific views underlying our sacred literature, do not conflict
with the essential spirit of religion as manifested in the consecration
of man's will, heart and mind to the service of God and of humanity.
2. God. The heart of Judaism and its chief contribution to religion
is the doctrine of the One, living God, who rules the world through law
and love. In Him all existence has its creative source and mankind its
ideal of conduct. Though transcending time and space, He is the indwelling
Presence of the world. We worship Him as the Lord of the universe and
as our merciful Father.
3. Man. Judaism affirms that man is created in the Divine image.
His spirit is immortal. He is an active co-worker with God. As a child
of God, he is endowed with moral freedom and is charged with the responsibility
of overcoming evil and striving after ideal ends.
4. Torah. God reveals Himself not only in the majesty, beauty
and orderliness of nature, but also in the vision and moral striving of
the human spirit. Revelation is a continuous process, confined to no one
group and to no one age. Yet the people of Israel, through its prophets
and sages, achieved unique insight in the realm of religious truth. The
Torah, both written and oral, enshrines Israel's ever-growing consciousness
of God and of the moral law. It preserves the historical precedents, sanctions
and norms of Jewish life, and seeks to mould it in the patterns of goodness
and of holiness. Being products of historical processes, certain of its
laws have lost their binding force with the passing of the conditions
that called them forth. But as a depository of permanent spiritual ideals,
the Torah remains the dynamic source of the life of Israel. Each age has
the obligation to adapt the teachings of the Torah to its basic needs
in consonance with the genius of Judaism.
5. Israel. Judaism is the soul of which Israel is the body. Living
in all parts of the world, Israel has been held together by the ties of
a common history, and above all, by the heritage of faith. Though we recognize
in the group loyalty of Jews who have become estranged from our religious
tradition, a bond which still unites them with us, we maintain that it
is by its religion and for its religion that the Jewish people has lived.
The non-Jew who accepts our faith is welcomed as a full member of the
Jewish community. In all lands where our people live, they assume and
seek to share loyally the full duties and responsibilities of citizenship
and to create seats of Jewish knowledge and religion. In the rehabilitation
of Palestine, the land hallowed by memories and hopes, we behold the promise
of renewed life for many of our brethren. We affirm the obligation of
all Jewry to aid in its upbuilding as a Jewish homeland by endeavoring
to make it not only a haven of refuge for the oppressed but also a center
of Jewish culture and spiritual life. Throughout the ages it has been
Israelis mission to witness to the Divine in the face of every form of
paganism and materialism. We regard it as our historic task to cooperate
with all men in the establishment of the kingdom of God, of universal
brotherhood, Justice, truth and peace on earth. This is our Messianic
goal.
B. Ethics
6. Ethics and Religion. In Judaism
religion and morality blend into an indissoluble unity. Seeking God means
to strive after holiness, righteousness and goodness. The love of God
is incomplete without the love of one's fellowmen. Judaism emphasizes
the kinship of the human race, the sanctity and worth of human life and
personality and the right of the individual to freedom and to the pursuit
of his chosen vocation. justice to all, irrespective of race, sect or
class, is the inalienable right and the inescapable obligation of all.
The state and organized government exist in order to further these ends.
7. Social justice. Judaism seeks the attainment of a just society
by the application of its teachings to the economic order, to industry
and commerce, and to national and international affairs. It aims at the
elimination of man-made misery and suffering, of poverty and degradation,
of tyranny and slavery, of social inequality and prejudice, of ill-will
and strife. It advocates the promotion of harmonious relations between
warring classes on the basis of equity and justice, and the creation of
conditions under which human personality may flourish. It pleads for the
safeguarding of childhood against exploitation. It champions the cause
of all who work and of their right to an adequate standard of living,
as prior to the rights of property. Judaism emphasizes the duty of charity,
and strives for a social order which will protect men against the material
disabilities of old age, sickness and unemployment.
8. Peace. Judaism, from the days of the prophets, has proclaimed
to mankind the ideal of universal peace. The spiritual and physical disarmament
of all nations has been one of its essential teachings. It abhors all
violence and relies upon moral education, love and sympathy to secure
human progress. It regards justice as the foundation of the well-being
of nations and the condition of enduring peace. It urges organized international
action for disarmament, collective security and world peace.
C. Religious Practice
9. The Religious Life. Jewish
life is marked by consecration to these ideals of Judaism. It calls for
faithful participation in the life of the Jewish community as it finds
expression in home, synagogue and school and in all other agencies that
enrich Jewish life and promote its welfare. The Home has been and must
continue to be a stronghold of Jewish life, hallowed by the spirit of
love and reverence, by moral discipline and religious observance and worship.
The Synagogue is the oldest and most democratic institution in Jewish
life. It is the prime communal agency by which Judaism is fostered and
preserved. It links the Jews of each community and unites them with all
Israel. The perpetuation of Judaism as a living force depends upon religious
knowledge and upon the Education of each new generation in our rich cultural
and spiritual heritage.
Prayer is the voice of religion, the language of faith and aspiration.
It directs man's heart and mind Godward, voices the needs and hopes of
the community and reaches out after goals which invest life with supreme
value. To deepen the spiritual life of our people, we must cultivate the
traditional habit of communion with God through prayer in both home and
synagogue.
Judaism as a way of life requires in addition to its moral and spiritual
demands, the preservation of the Sabbath, festivals and Holy Days, the
retention and development of such customs, symbols and ceremonies as possess
inspirational value, the cultivation of distinctive forms of religious
art and music and the use of Hebrew, together with the vernacular, in
our worship and instruction.
These timeless aims and ideals of our faith we present anew to a confused
and troubled world. We call upon our fellow Jews to rededicate themselves
to them, and, in harmony with all men, hopefully and courageously to continue
Israel's eternal quest after God and His kingdom.
Source: http://www.ccarnet.org/platforms/columbus.html
Copyright © 1999, Central Conference of American Rabbis