by Rabbi Paul Kipnes and Pre-Rabbinic Intern Dani Pattiz

Congregation Or Ami has been selected to be among the first people to have pilot and offer input on a new Torah Translation and Commentary for the Reform Jewish Movement. We are excited to participate. Would you help us give feedback?  

From the moment our ancestor Abraham chose to follow one God instead of many, the Jewish people have been innovators. For thousands of years, we have adapted, argued, and grown, constantly creating new Jewish realities while preserving the core tenets of our faith.

The Reform Jewish Movement in particular, is dedicated to reconciling our ancient heritage with our modern understandings of the world. We ask: How does the Torah apply to my life? How can this ancient text guide my own values and actions? Why should I care about a book that was written 3,000 years ago? Answering these questions is among Reform Judaism’s foremost goals. 

The most recent project in pursuit of this goal is the Central Conference of American Rabbis’ new translation and commentary of the Torah. Crafted by over 80 academic and religious leaders within the Reform Movement, it will be essential to the ongoing engagement of the Jewish community with its foundational text. In order to meet its ambitious goals of providing novel tools for study while maintaining our rich textual tradition, this project needs the input of those whom it will serve. 

Since Congregation Or Ami has been invited to pilot the new translation, we have the opportunity to participate in this groundbreaking development stage. Together, we will engage deeply with our holiest text, bringing its stories to life through a translation crafted with care by talented scholars. We will find connection with our ancestors and with one another as we ponder life’s great questions. And we will have the unique opportunity to contribute our experiences to the further development of this project. A New Torah Translation and Commentary for the 21st Century will be a tremendous gift to future generations of Jewish learners and Reform communities.

We hope you will join us in exploring this newest example of great Jewish innovation. Whether you are new to Torah study, consider yourself a Torah scholar, or are simply curious to learn more about the meaning and significance of our holy text, these Torah study sessions are for you. Please join us on any (or all!) of our three study sessions in the coming months:

Saturday Mornings:
Oct. 28, Nov. 11, Nov. 25, Dec. 9

8:30 am to 9:45 am PT

(In-Person + Livestream)

To be able to participate in providing feedback,
please come in person.