Reform or Reformed?

Image: Rabbi Stacy Blank blows the shofar. She is an Israeli Reform rabbi.

I am a Reform rabbi.

I am not a “Reformed” rabbi.

The branch of Judaism that took shape in Germany in the 19th century is called “Reform Judaism.” Anyone who calls it “reformed” weakens whatever point (maybe an excellent one!) that they are trying to make.

One hopes they will reform their ways and refer to us as “Reform Jews.”

P.S. Spell checkers can have troubles with this, too. It’s worth keeping an eye out for it.

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rabbiadar

Rabbi Ruth Adar is a teaching rabbi in San Leandro, CA. She has many hats: rabbi, granny, and ham radio operator K6RAV. She blogs at http://coffeeshoprabbi.com/ and teaches at Jewish Gateways in Albany, CA.

4 thoughts on “Reform or Reformed?”

  1. Thank you, have heard and repeated the ignorance many times! Appreciate the correction!

    Reply

    1. Thank you for the gracious reply. Looking at it now I think my wording is a bit harsh and for that I am sorry. Will reword at next opportunity.

      Reply

  2. This is SUCH A COMMON MISTAKE! I’m so glad you addressed it head on. People want to be correct. It’s embarrassing when gotten wrong.

    THANK YOU!

    Reply

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