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Reform Judaism and being childfree-article
Breed For Your Religion? Part III
by Dawn Elmore-McCrary
Can you be childfree and a Jew? You can if you look toward Reform Judaism.
Denomination
Reform Judaism
Established
Origins of the denomination trace to early 19th century Germany; officially established in the USA in 1873.
Organizational polity
Each congregation is run independently; however, temples may choose to affiliate with the Union for Reform Judaism.
Interesting Fact
Although Reform Judaism is the largest denomination in North America, it is not officially recognized in the State of Israel.
Membership in the United States
1.5 million
When some people think of Judaism, they picture bearded Orthodox men in large black hats and black coats walking to synagogue as they are trailed by a modestly-dressed wife and gaggle of children. What many people don’t know, however, is that these people represent just one of the four major denominations of Judaism (the others being Conservative, Reform, and Reconstructionist). Like Christianity, Judaism contains differing sects that espouse a wide variety of spiritual interpretations. Of the four major denominations, Reform Judaism is the most liberal, both theologically and socially, and thus presents a good fit for the childfree.
The Reform movement has its roots in 19th century Germany as a response to principles of the Enlightenment. It was during this time that Jews began to have equal rights as citizens in some countries, so worship began to be adapted from more traditional forms in order to maintain members of the faith who might otherwise have left due to the new freedoms they obtained by law. The movement spread to America during the 1800s. Since that time, it has become the largest Jewish denomination in North America, with over 900 congregations.
Reform worship differs from historical Jewish worship in its use of musical instruments and more portions of the service being conducted in the congregants’ native languages than in Hebrew. Reform also differs from traditional Judaism in that it encourages its adherents to read and study the halakhah (commandments from the Bible and rabbinic authorities) closely and then decide for themselves whether the commandments still apply in today’s world. Reform Jews do not dress in the traditional Orthodox garb (although some do still wear the kippah head covering) and tend to be less literal in their interpretation of the Hebrew Bible and the Talmud.
While Judaism has always valued the family unit as an important part of social and religious cohesiveness, Reform’s language of inclusiveness serves as an outreach to all who worship. The official position of the movement is outlined by Rabbi Marc Israel, Director of Congregational Relations for the Religious Action Center for Reform Judaism:
We are all welcome in God’s eyes, whether heterosexual or gay or lesbian, married or single, parents or childless, female or male, Black or white. We are all equal recipients of God’s love.
A corollary to this statement is Reform Judaism’s recognition that in order to continue to grow and be relevant, it must meet the needs of congregants other than parents with young children. For 32% of Jews, joining a synagogue is an event that takes place only when a family needs to educate a child in the faith. At the 2005 Union for Reform Judaism convention, Rabbi Eric Yoffiee announced an initiative specifically designed to appeal to those members and potential members who do fit the traditional family mold. Kathy Khan, Outreach Director or the URJ stated, “Only 23 percent of our members are two-person families raising children, yet look how much of congregations’ budgets are devoted to them.”
As a result of this initiative, Reform temples are adding programs and social events to appeal to nontraditional groups. For example, Temple Chai in San Antonio, Texas, sponsors adult Hebrew classes and arranges congregational Shabbat (Sabbath) dinners at local restaurants. Other congregations sponsor Jewish singles or senior events and other adult activities such as wine and cheese tasting. As the Jewish News Weekly of Northern California notes, the synagogue must be a warm and welcoming place for everyone if it is to continue to survive as an institution.
Another aspect of Reform Judaism that makes it appealing to the childfree is its strong stance on reproductive rights. Although Judaism recognizes the fetus as a life, it places the life and health of the mother first. Jewish law demands that women put their own well-being above all else. For example, one Talmudic commentary specifically prohibits a woman from sacrificing her own life for that of the fetus, and, if her life is threatened, the law allows her no other alternative but abortion. In addition, if the woman’s mental health, sanity, or self-esteem is jeopardized due to pregnancy, rabbinic authorities allow the woman to exercise the option of termination. It is precisely because of the fundamental Jewish belief in the sanctity of life that abortion is sometimes viewed as morally just. Reform Judaism also supports the rights of the individual to make decisions regarding birth control and opposes any governmental interference in the availability of contraceptives.
All these facts, joined with Reform’s commitment to gender equality and welcoming attitude toward converts and the intermarried, make it an excellent option for the childfree seeking a refuge from the Orthodox viewpoint of having as many children as possible. This denomination’s coupling of a strong sense of community with a tireless dedication to individual rights may be just the right combination for those seeking a Jewish spiritual home.
Copyright Dawn Elmore-McCrary. Published 1 February 2007 in Features.
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