The Conservative Judaism movement currently uses two different names for itself: in North America, it is "Conservative" Judaism, and in Israel and the rest of the world, it is "Masorti" Judaism. This dichotomy is reflected in official publications, such as the United Synagogue for Conservative Judaism's "Voices of Conservative/Masorti Judaism". The term "Conservative" was originally adopted because the movement was formed in response to the Reform Judaism movement, and was viewed as a movement to "conserve" many elements of traditional Judaism while adapting to modern society. It defined the movement by what it was not, rather than by what it was. In modern society, the term "Conservative" is frequently misinterpreted as reflecting political or social conservatism. Masorti is Hebrew for "traditional", a more accurate and positive description of the movement that is in the language of the Jewish people. We, the undersigned officers, congregants, and clergy in Conservative/Masorti congregations, believe that the worldwide solidarity of the movement would be well served by adopting a single name for our movement: Masorti Judaism. We urge the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism to change its name to the United Synagogue of Masorti Judaism and use the single term Masorti Judaism in all of its publications and communications. We urge other organizations within the movement to drop the use of Conservative Judaism and instead adopt Masorti Judaism in the organizations' names, publications, and communications.
Many of you have reached out to share how the current name creates confusion in your daily lives and institutional work. These conversations confirm that a move toward a more accurate identity is not just a branding exercise but a way to better reflect our core values. I am currently compiling your feedback to present to leadership as we continue to advocate for this transition.
March 25, 2010
The steady growth of this petition reflects a growing desire within our movement to embrace an identity that is both accurate and grounded in our own language. It is clear that many people feel the current terminology no longer serves the depth or the history of our traditions. This momentum suggests that we are ready to move beyond definitions formed by reaction and toward a name that truly honors our heritage.
6 Comments
A
Ari Reed
16 years ago
Featured
YES. lets stop using a term that gets us mixed up with politics. let's just be clear about who we are.
D
David Hart
16 years ago
Featured
Finally. The word conservative just confuses people who dont know anything about our history. Masorti is way better.
B
Ben Walsh
16 years ago
Featured
Great idea. The name is totally misleading to people outside our community.
R
Rachel Sloan
16 years ago
Featured
it makes so much more sense to align with the name used everywhere else in the world. let's do it.
M
Miriam Crawford
16 years ago
Featured
Its about time. Masorti is what we are so lets stop apologizing for the name.
S
Sarah Phillips
16 years ago
Featured
Ive been saying this for years. Its confusing when we have to explain the political label every time someone asks what shul we go to.
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The Conservative Judaism movement currently uses two different names for itself: in North America, it is "Conservative" Judaism, and in Israel and the rest of the world, it is "Masorti" Judaism. This dichotomy is reflected in official publications, such as the United Synagogue for Conservative Judaism's "Voices of Conservative/Masorti Judaism". The term "Conservative" was originally adopted because the movement was formed in response to the Reform Judaism movement, and was viewed as a movement to "conserve" many elements of traditional Judaism while adapting to modern society. It defined the movement by what it was not, rather than by what it was. In modern society, the term "Conservative" is frequently misinterpreted as reflecting political or social conservatism. Masorti is Hebrew for "traditional", a more accurate and positive description of the movement that is in the language of the Jewish people. We, the undersigned officers, congregants, and clergy in Conservative/Masorti congregations, believe that the worldwide solidarity of the movement would be well served by adopting a single name for our movement: Masorti Judaism. We urge the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism to change its name to the United Synagogue of Masorti Judaism and use the single term Masorti Judaism in all of its publications and communications. We urge other organizations within the movement to drop the use of Conservative Judaism and instead adopt Masorti Judaism in the organizations' names, publications, and communications.
Many of you have reached out to share how the current name creates confusion in your daily lives and institutional work. These conversations confirm that a move toward a more accurate identity is not just a branding exercise but a way to better reflect our core values. I am currently compiling your feedback to present to leadership as we continue to advocate for this transition.
March 25, 2010
The steady growth of this petition reflects a growing desire within our movement to embrace an identity that is both accurate and grounded in our own language. It is clear that many people feel the current terminology no longer serves the depth or the history of our traditions. This momentum suggests that we are ready to move beyond definitions formed by reaction and toward a name that truly honors our heritage.
6 Comments
A
Ari Reed
16 years ago
Featured
YES. lets stop using a term that gets us mixed up with politics. let's just be clear about who we are.
D
David Hart
16 years ago
Featured
Finally. The word conservative just confuses people who dont know anything about our history. Masorti is way better.
B
Ben Walsh
16 years ago
Featured
Great idea. The name is totally misleading to people outside our community.
R
Rachel Sloan
16 years ago
Featured
it makes so much more sense to align with the name used everywhere else in the world. let's do it.
M
Miriam Crawford
16 years ago
Featured
Its about time. Masorti is what we are so lets stop apologizing for the name.
S
Sarah Phillips
16 years ago
Featured
Ive been saying this for years. Its confusing when we have to explain the political label every time someone asks what shul we go to.
Help this petition grow
Share it with friends to help reach
100 signatures.
Sign Petition
We never post to your account. Social sign-in is used only to verify your signature.
or sign with Email
Add a comment?
Your signature will be added via . Tell others why you're signing — it's optional.
Signing with Google or Facebook verifies your signature instantly — no email needed.
YES. lets stop using a term that gets us mixed up with politics. let's just be clear about who we are.