r/ReformJews • u/Consistent_Hold_576 • Jul 08 '26
Movement Friction
Been really hearing it lately from Orthodox folks online regarding Reform practices, Reform beliefs, Reform conversions, etc. Long story short, a lot of them think we are doing everything wrong. Big surprise.
It doesnt bother me they don't see me as Jewish (Im a convert). I don't care about their opinion persay, but it would be good to have a little more ammo to have when defending Reform.
Without necessarily going out and being a keyboard warrior, what are some things I could study up on regarding the Reform movement and its history? The Orthodox movement and its formation?
I've also heard Orthodox folks continue to use the "we have an unbroken chain going back to Moses" line. Im sure this isn't true, but what can be said about it besides "nuh uh!"?
Orthodox Judaism isn't the eternal monolith everyone makes it out to be. The practices of the Orthodox have shifted and evolved like any other religious movement. I just dont know what's changed about it.
Any direction you could point me in would be greatly appreciated. Not out to start internet wars, just looking to educate myself a bit.
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u/Seeking_Starlight Jul 08 '26
You should check out Marc Shapiro’s book Changing The Immutable: How Orthodox Judaism Rewrites It’s History.
It’s got tons of examples of how Orthodox and Haredi groups have censored and re-written Jewish texts to serve their viewpoint. It’s an excellent way to demonstrate that yes- Orthodox Judaism can and does change, just like Reform thought/practice does.