What is Reform Judaism?

What is Reform Judaism?

Reform Judaism, also known, as Liberal or Progressive Judaism, is a major Jewish denomination that teaches the evolving nature of our age-old tradition, emphasizes the importance of ethical and moral aspects of Judaism, and values autonomy for individuals to embrace Judaism in a way that is personally meaningful and life affirming.

The history of Jews in America is the history of Reform Judaism. Its origins lay in mid-19th-century Germany, but Reform Judaism took root in America beginning in 1873.

Today, Reform Judaism is the largest denomination of Judaism in North America, with close to 900 Reform-affiliated congregations and over 2,000 ordained clergy. Congregation Kol Ami of Frederick is a proud member of the Union for Reform Judaism. To learn more about the Union for Reform Judaism and Reform Judaism, click here.