About this Project
In May of 2007, the Institute for Reform Zionism (IRZ), a small think tank run by ARZA, called for the creation of a concise definition of Reform Zionism. What seemed at first glance to be a simple task quickly revealed its many levels of nuance and complexity. Instead of a succinct, clear definition, we decided to embrace the complexity and create a less brief, less succinct, but far more useful definition. The initial definition was written by Rabbi Peter Knobel, Chair of the IRZ and a member of ARZA’s board. We then recruited six commentators to argue with Rabbi Knobel and with each other on the page, thus creating a document that is true to the ancient Jewish tradition of “machloket l’shem shamayim” or a dispute for the sake of Heaven. We hope that even this nuanced and complex document will be just the beginning of an ongoing conversation that will involve greater and greater numbers of Reform Jews, all struggling to define Reform Zionism for themselves. We welcome your comments.
ARZA is the Association of Reform Zionists of America. For more information about ARZA, click here.