Definition of Progressive Judaism
Progressive Judaism is a designation for the religious practice of Judaism as a Reform movement. It began in the 19th century in Central and Western Europe and is best known for its emphasis on egalitarianism, inclusion, and the celebration of diversity. It has since spread to much of the world and has developed into a variety of liberal and progressive subgroups. Progressive Judaism today is characterized by its commitment to open conversation on matters of belief and practice, its flexibility in interpretation of Jewish law and tradition, its focus on the life of Jewish individuals as opposed to a need to conform to one strict set of regulations, and its desire to find common ground between its adherents and those of other faiths.
History of Progressive Judaism
The history of progressive Judaism is connected to the beginnings of the Reform movement in the 19th century. Reform Judaism grew out of the need to modernize and secularize traditional Judaism so that it would meet the needs of the new industrial societies in which Jews were living. Reformers sought to make Judaism more accessible by incorporating aspects of the Enlightenment, such as human rights, into their worldview and making changes to religious practice to make it more relevant for believers in the modern age.
One of the first major steps towards progressive Judaism occurred in Germany in 1810, when a group of rabbis published the Pittsburgh Platform, a document outlining the goals of the Reform movement there. This document said, among other things, that they sought to remain loyal to the core teachings of Judaism while also seeking to “re-formulate the faith and its practices in accordance with the new worldview of eighteenth and nineteenth century society.”
Another significant moment in the history of progressive Judaism was the 1937 meeting of the Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR) in Columbus, Ohio, where the first version of the CCAR’s interpretation of Reform Judaism was drawn up. This interpretation was codified in the document “Century of American Reform Judaism” and declared that “Western Enlightenment offers to Jews a safe and significant haven” and that Progressive Judaism was nothing less than “the application of enlightened minds and modern experience to the facts of faith and piety.”
Understanding the Ideology of Progressive Judaism
Progressive Judaism seeks to modernize and liberalize traditional Jewish beliefs and practices in order to make them more relevant and accessible to both those born into a Jewish household and those seeking to convert to Judaism. Unlike other denominations of Judaism, Progressive Judaism is less focused on one strict set of rules, instead embracing fluidity and a focus on the life of each individual Jew.
Progressive Jews practice a form of Jewish life that values inclusion and diversity of thought, ideas, and perspectives. They believe in accepting a diversity of opinions and expressions of faith and in the power of civil discourse without condemnation. They emphasize the importance of education for both children and adults and of the creation of strong communities.
The Practical Aspects of Progressive Judaism
In practice, Progressive Jews engage in activities that embrace and celebrate the uniqueness of all people. They seek to break down barriers between different denominations and cultures and to create better understanding between Jews and non-Jews.
Progressive Jews believe that the study of Judaism, both inside and outside of synagogues and other Jewish institutions, should be centered on understanding Jewish teaching and traditions and how they can be applied to our own lives. They believe that the practice of Judaism should be fluid and open to change, and that the traditional texts of the faith can be interpreted in a variety of ways.
In terms of ritual, Progressive Jews focus on creating meaningful worship experiences that incorporate modern music and instruments, poems, readings, and discussion. They believe that the modern world presents a unique set of challenges to Jewish life and that traditional prayer and ceremonies can be adapted to this new reality.
The Impact of Progressive Judaism
The impact of Progressive Judaism over the past two centuries has been immense. By widening the boundaries of religious expression and forging a more inclusive form of Judaism, Progressive Judaism remains one of the most popular streams of Jewish practice. It has helped to foster a more accepting and tolerant Jewish community, and its emphasis on the individual has provided thousands of Jews with a more meaningful approach to Jewish spirituality.
The Contributions of Progressive Judaism
Progressive Jews believe that the practice of Judaism should not be rooted in strict laws and regulations but instead in a desire to grow spiritually and to spread acceptance and understanding. They push for a Judaism that values diversity and tolerance and seeks to incorporate into its worldview the latest social and scientific advances.
Progressive Judaism has also made a profound contribution to the way in which Jews relate to and interact with those of different faiths. Progressive Jews believe that religion is a source of both strength and of unity, and have played a major role in building bridges between Jews and those of other religions.
Prominent Figures in Progressive Judaism
There are many prominent figures in the world of Progressive Judaism. Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi, the founder of Jewish Renewal, Rabbi Eugene Borowitz, a leader in American Jewish thought, Rabbi Mordecai Kaplan, the founder of Reconstructionist Judaism, and Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, a major 20th-century theologian, are just a few of the many influential Progressive Jewish figures.
Youth Involvement in Progressive Judaism
Progressive Judaism has become increasingly attractive to young Jews, and youth involvement in the Reform and Progressive movements has been growing. The wide variety of activities and initiatives that Progressive Jewish organizations offer—including social justice programs, interfaith dialogue, meditation weekends, summer camps, and adult education courses—attract thousands of young Jews and provide them with an environment where they can explore modern Jewish life.
Online Platforms for Progressive Judaism
Traditional approaches to Progressive Judaism, such as synagogue membership and adult education classes, have been complemented by the increasing presence of online platforms. Today, there are many online spaces dedicated to Progressive Judaism, offering resources such as podcasts, blogs, articles, and online courses. These online offerings provide those who may not have easy access to local Jewish institutions a way to explore and engage with Progressive Jewish thought and practice.
Progressive Judaism in the 21st Century
Though much of what Progressive Judaism stands for is still relevant today, the movement is facing some challenges as it heads into the 21st century. With the rise of secularism and a reduction in social networks, Progressive synagogues and communities are seeing fewer members and overall interest. Additionally, with the rise of the non-denominational “spiritual but not religious” movement and the increasing acceptance of non-traditional forms of religious and spiritual practice, Progressive Judaism is facing increasing competition in the religious landscape.
Though the challenges may be real, Progressive Judaism continues to remain a major force in Jewish life and practice, and many of its ideals—such as egalitarianism, inclusion, and celebration of diversity—are just as relevant today as they were when the movement began two centuries ago.
Dynamic of Progressive Judaism Within the Modern World
The 21st century Jewish community has been shaped in many ways by Progressive Judaism. The movement has pushed for inclusion and diversity, encouraged a more open and tolerant interpretation of Jewish laws and traditions, and sought to create a vibrant and meaningful spiritual experience for its members.
The movement has also contributed to the development of more creative forms of prayer and worship and has helped to create strong communities around its ideals of social justice and acceptance. Progressive Jews have been instrumental in the development of dialogues between different denominations and streams of Judaism, and have played a major role in promoting interfaith understanding.
At the same time, Progressive Judaism has experienced its share of challenges over the past century, such as declining memberships and the rise of strange competition. But despite these challenges many Progressive Jews remain optimistic, believing that the movement will continue to remain vibrant and relevant in the modern world.
Progressive Judaism in action
Throughout the world, local Progressive Jewish communities are putting Progressive Judaism into practice. From social justice initiatives to creative forms of prayer and celebration, Progressive Jews are making a real impact in the lives of their members and in the wider world.
For example, in Durham, NC, members of a progressive synagogue are working in collaboration with local churches to help combat food insecurity and provide meals for those in need. In South Florida, Israeli and Palestinian activists are working together under the leadership of progressive rabbis to bring about peace in the region. And in the United Kingdom, Progressive Jews are hosting educational workshops and lectures to explain the concept of Progressive Judaism to wider audiences.
These and many other initiatives show the power of Progressive Judaism in action and the potential it has to make a difference in the world today.
