Misleading name?

▶ Rabbi Jonathan Romain reflects on Reform Judaism’s anniversary (Reform still ‘bursting with creativity’ at 80, 7 January).

Rabbi Harold Reinhart and Rabbi Werner van der Zyl each recognised the approach to Judaism by West London Synagogue as normal but the former rejected adjectival Judaism whilst the latter regarded it as essential.

The United Synagogues have never resorted to the word ‘historical’ being attached to its title, or indeed any adjectival addition (other than ‘United’) and one must question the decision of those congregations with a different agenda whether to adopt ‘progressive’ or ‘reform’ or ‘liberal’ to their title is either necessary or wise.

The West London Synagogue of British Jews was formed in 1840, its title reflecting the coming together of Sephardi and Ashkenazi Jews.

Whilst personally I am unable to understand those who insist on adhering to ancient tradition and stand still whilst they do so, I am tolerant of their ways and wish that they were so of mine.

Mine? I enjoy the ethos of West London Synagogue. I am able to follow and associate with our services. I am less happy with being a ‘Reform’ Jew, surely implying that I am reformed, but of which sin or sins, I am ignorant.

Aside from a more recent time, Judaism has always been a religion which, whilst never straying from its ethos, has adapted — some might even suggest reformed — its practice in dress, in habit and in prayer, without any change of its regard to Divine expectations. As a prime example of the truth in opposites, ‘Reform’ is the path never ending to the Land of Tradition. So be it.

Jack Lynes

Pinner, Middlesex