The Reform Movement Takes Hold

Reform Judaism in America 

The proliferation of Reform congregations across the United States was a product of tensions between cultural and intellectual transformations of modernity and the traditionalism of Old World Jewish practices. The philosophy emerged in Germany during the eighteenth century out of a desire for assimilation which many Jews sought to achieve through religious reform.¹

The Pittsburgh Platform of 1885 outlined the major tenets of American Reform Judaism, stating:

“Today we accept as binding only its moral laws, and maintain only such ceremonies as elevate and sanctify our lives, but reject all such as are not adapted to the views and habits of modern civilization.”²  -Pittsburgh Platform, 1885

The Reform movement defined Judaism largely as a set of unifying moral principles but rejected various ritual and legal practices associated with traditional Judaism. These included dietary restrictions, rabbinical purity and ritual dress, and limiting definitions regarding Jewish personhood.³ As an evolution of core Jewish practices, the Reform movement is seen by some in the Jewish community as an assimilationist trend, while others view it as necessary progress.⁴ 

1878: Mount Zion Joins the Reform Movement

Early in the history of Mount Zion, its German founders practiced Orthodox Judaism but were eager to embrace progressive commitments to social action and were willing to adapt their Jewish traditions to the American landscape.⁶ By the time their first temple was constructed at 10th and Minnesota, Mount Zion began adopting "American-Style" Judaism.⁷ 

Under the leadership of Rabbi Judah Weschler in 1878, Mount Zion Temple officially joined the Reform Movement.⁸ The worship of Mount Zion changed to reflect this new character and liberal form of practice. For example, services were held in English rather than in Hebrew, and men and women prayed together.⁹