Reform Judaism for Teachers module - Touro Synagogue

3. Distribute the resolution packet consisting of three issues and their corresponding
CCAR resolutions. Choose one of the following options, based on the time available
and your sense of which would work better for your class.
• Option 1: Ask participants to read through the resolution packet utilizing the
guiding questions on the first page. Then continue to #4 below.
• Option 2: Ask the participants to read the first resolution (Equal Rights
Amendment) and to discuss their reaction to the formal, public stand taken by
the Reform Movement on this matter. Then divide the class into two smaller
groups and assign each group one of the remaining resolutions. Ask each group
to summarize and present to the other the main points and the implications of
the resolution it was assigned. Continue to #4.
4. Discuss answers to these questions with the whole group:
• What (if anything) surprised you about the resolutions in this packet? Does one
stand out to you in particular?
• The topics presented here are considered by many to be major contributions to
American Judaism. Why do you think the Reform Movement felt the need to
make a formal proclamation, announcing Reform Judaism’s stand on these
issues?
5. Invite participants to think of ways these contributions can be seen throughout our
ritual and social practice. You may choose to conduct this orally or write participant
answers on the board. Possible answers are provided below:
Gender Equality:
• Usage of non‐sexist language in liturgy, role of women as leaders in our
Social Action
Movement including rabbis, cantors, etc.
• Emphasis on communal responsibility to help one another as well as others,
klal Yisrael, mitzvah projects related to bar/bat mitzvah preparation,
community mitzvah days, etc.
Union for Reform Judaism-Department of Lifelong Jewish Learning
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