Reform Judaism for Teachers module - Touro Synagogue

Reading Resources for Teachers
Eugene B. Borowitz, Liberal Judaism (New York: UAHC Press, 1984)
Michael A. Meyer and W. Gunther Plaut, eds., The Reform Jewish Reader: North American
Documents (New York: UAHC Press, 2001)
Set Induction (10 minutes)
Lesson Plan
1. Invite participants to listen to the song “L’takein” 7 , by Dan Nichols (Note: lyric
sheets have been provided).
2. Ask participants to brainstorm the ways in which they think that the Reform
Movement has been a leader in tikkun olam (repairing the world). Write these on the
board or flip chart.
Text Study (10 minutes)
Participants will examine a statement made by Dr. Eugene Borowitz, Professor of
Education and Jewish Religious Thought at HUC‐JIR, emphasizing our responsibility to
God, Torah and the people of Israel to perform acts of social justice.
1. Distribute the following text to participants:
1955 UAHC Statement of Basic Principles on the Synagogue and Social Action
We are the heirs of the great Jewish Religious tradition which conceives of its
ultimate goal as the establishment of God’s truth and justice on earth. The God
whom we serve is a God of righteousness who would have us be holy as God is
holy. The Torah which we cherish is a guide for spiritual living concerned with
every aspect of human experience. The prophets of Israel, dedicated to God, and
7 L’takein (the Na Na song) by Dan Nichols, Eighteen and Rabbi Ron Klotz
Union for Reform Judaism-Department of Lifelong Jewish Learning
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