THE DISTINCTIVITY OF REFORM JUDAISM AS TO OTHER FORMS OF JUDAISM
In the preamble, Reform Judaism is said to be of a great contribution because it has enabled Jewish people to introduce this notion of innovation whilst still being traditional and this idea of embracing diversity whilst asserting commonality. This idea could relate to the notion of continuity in dynamicity as a religion to avoid becoming obsolete, where the religion must remain consistent in being of some relevance to modern day and society.
It is stated that Reform Judaism affirms with the central tenets of Judaism; God, the Torah and Israel. But it also states that it even affirming with the central tenets it acknowledges the diversity that it has with their beliefs and practises as to other forms of Judaism.
Although Reform Judaism agrees with the central tenets of Judaism, some features of Reform Judaism distinguish itself from more traditional forms of Judaism. Such as:
§ The Reform area of worship is known as a temple, not a synagogue.
§ Men and women are allowed to sit together during worship.
§ The disbelief in the resurrection of the dead.
§ The disbelief in the return to the Holy Land.
§ The disbelief in the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem
§ The traditional Jewish laws are not so important.
§ The Torah needs to be interpreted in a modern contemporary way.
§ Religious services are to be in the local language, not in Hebrew.
§ A more supportive stand on Zionism.
§ Adaption of the Jewish prayer book to include modern Jewish writings and references to modern situations.