My loved one has died during this time of pandemic. What mourning rituals can we do from home?
“Under our current COVID-19 related restrictions, neither my sister nor I will be able to attend the funeral our father, who died in another state. Instead, we’ll be watching it live-streamed from the funeral home’s website.
If One Member of a Couple is Jewish, but the Other Isn't, is Their Child Considered Jewish by the Reform Movement?
Historically, since the Rabbinic period (post 70 CE), Jewish status was passed down by the mother.
At a Jewish wedding, why does the couple stand under a canopy?
The canopy under which Jewish couples stand when they are married is called a chuppah. The chuppah represents the new home a couple establishes through their marriage.
I am going to an unveiling. What should I expect?
An unveiling is the ceremony at which a tombstone is erected in memory of one who has died.
Is It True That Jews Do Not Have Baby Showers?
Traditionally, Jews did not have baby showers prior to the birth of the child.
Does listening to a podcast count as study? Is it OK to say the blessing if I’m listening to commentary without reading or hearing the Torah portion?
Listening to the podcast definitely counts as Torah study. It’s an opportunity to learn a bit of Torah and start to think about the weekly Torah while also incorporating some modern-day thinking into the traditional message.
Can a Reform Jew believe the Torah is the word of God?
In answer to your question, "Can a Reform Jew believe that God gave the Torah at Sinai?" I think that the most honest answer is, "Yes, but..." Let me start with that "but.
What is the Reform position on clergy officiating at the wedding of a Jew to a person brought up in a different faith?
I’m Jewish and my partner is not. We’d like to have a Jewish wedding and plan to raise a Jewish family. Will a Reform rabbi or cantor officiate at our wedding?