The Commission on Social Action (CSA) of Reform Judaism provides guidance to the Movement as it wrestles with the challenge of applying our progressive Jewish values to the public affairs agenda. The CSA is a joint commission of the Central Conference of American Rabbis and the Union for Reform Judaism, and is comprised of representatives of all the affiliates of Reform Judaism throughout North America. It oversees the work of Reform Judaism's Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism (RAC) in Washington, D.C., which pursues social justice and religious liberty by mobilizing the American Jewish community and serving as its advocate in the capital of the United States.

Are Individuals Bound by the Policy of the Reform Movement? 

The resolutions adopted by the Union for Reform Judaism neither bind the members of individual congregations, nor do they presume to speak for all. Joining a Reform congregation does not mean one subscribes to a particular political perspective. In any group, there will be divergent opinions, and policymakers understand that when religious bodies take positions, there may very well be individuals in the group who disagree with the stated position.

 

 

Join us and learn about SMART, Start Making A Reader Today, in Central OR and how you can make a difference. Jan Freeman-Bauer and area manager Diane Turnbull will give an overview of the SMART Program and talk about volunteer opportunities. SMART is a non-profit, volunteer-driven tutoring program unique to Oregon for at-risk K-3 readers. Here in Bend-LaPine School district, you will find SMART serving kindergarten students in many of the schools, including Three Rivers Elementary in Sun River. Most of the volunteers work just 1 hour per week during the school day.(Times vary by school.) More detailed information will be presented on the evening of September 10, following our Havdallah service, along with sign-up opportunities. This event will be held at the home of Marilyn and Chuck Shattuck.

Adult Education Events 

Please join Rabbi Hershenson and fellow Temple Beth Tikvah members for Adult Learning classes and Havdallah events this year. We hope that all of you will find the adult education offerings intriguing, evocative, and enjoyable.

This year we are offering eight once-a-month stand-alone special topic classes with Rabbi Hershenson. Look for information regarding the topic and location in the newsletter and weekly emails. Save these dates: September 13th, November 8th, December 13th, January 17th, February 14th, March 14th, April 18th, and May 16th.



More information on Havdallahs with Movies and Mavens will be included in the monthly newsletter and weekly emails. Save these dates: November 5th, December 3rd, January 7th, February 4th, March 4th, and May 6th.