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Jewish tradition by“exercising their individual autonomy, choosing and creating on the basis of commitment and knowledge.” It led to the phrase“informed choice” which along with “autonomy” became the watchwords of Reform Judaism.
As the platforms indicate there is an increasing interest in exploring Jewish practice and Jewish values using classic Jewish sources, especially rabbinic literature. This trend is exemplified in publication of two types of halakhic literature: a) codes of Jewish practice exemplified by Gates of Mitzvah and Gates of the Seasons and(b) those exemplified by responsa and by essays produced by the Freehof Institute for Progressive Halakhah.
Gates of Mitzvah and Gates of the Seasons may be understood as responses to the Centenary Perspective when there is a growing interest in traditional practice and the recovery of personal observance.
Our Religious Obligations: Religious Practice— Judaism emphasizes action rather than creed as the primary expression of a religious life, the means by which we strive to achieve universal justice and peace. Reform Judaism shares this emphasis on duty and obligation. Our founders stressed that the Jew 's ethical responsibilities, personal and social, are enjoined by God . The past century has taught us that the claims made upon us may begin with our ethical obligations but they extend to many other aspects of Jewish living, including: creating a Jewish home centered on family devotion; lifelong study;