Reform Responsa

The CCAR applies Jewish scholarship and transition to contemporary issues through the creation of Reform Responsa, based on the historic Jewish system of providing answers to questions about Judaism and Jewish living. Questions are submitted to the Responsa committee, and responses are provided.

To submit a question to the Responsa Committee, please email Rabbi Dr. Joan Friedman.

Responsa published by CCAR have generally revealed Reform Jewish thinking on issues of everyday Jewish life at the time that it was originally written. However, it is important to note that because there is such a long history of Reform Responsa, going back to the 19th century, much of the collection no longer reflects contemporary thinking or language. It remains available here for the purpose of historical reference, but in many cases is no longer representative of today’s CCAR and the Reform Movement.

Please also note that not all CCAR Responsa are listed in this index. However all copies of Reform Responsa can be downloaded as ebooks from CCAR Press.


Guide to Sources

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Responsa